Many people love the Old Testament story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three young, Hebrew men were in exile in Babylon when they were thrown into a fiery furnace for their refusal to bow down and worship an idol. Rather than complying with the king’s command, the young men replied with what had to be one of the greatest statements of radical faith ever uttered. They said,
“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
- Daniel 3:17-18
It takes great faith to believe God is able to deliver us from our difficulties. It is radical faith to say that even if God does not deliver us, it’s okay. This type of radical faith is not formed through a life of ease, where everything goes according to our plans. This faith is formed in the crucible of persecution. There are many people in the Persecuted Church who may not have extensive theological knowledge, but they have lived through difficulties which have given their faith the opportunity to become deep and powerful. Persecution provides the opportunity to develop radical faith.
Dare to Ask God to give you a radical faith that is not dependent on your circumstances so when you face persecution, your faith will not waiver.
The International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for the Persecuted Church is happening next month on Sunday, November, 1st. Will you join with Christians around the world in this global prayer movement? Let’s lift up our persecuted brothers and sisters who boldly witness for Christ at any cost.
God’s passion for His people can not be extinguished. Do you embody this same passion?