Stand Up for What is Right and True

We are living in perilous times.

World views have become complicated and dangerous. There is a sexual revolution that is leading many down a dark path of destruction. Moral values are fast fading. There is an aggressive push away from God’s standard, and it is becoming hard for God’s people to stand up for what is right and true, without facing a vicious backlash or being canceled.

Landmines seem to litter the landscape.

2 Timothy 3:1-6 warns us that “There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—having a form of godliness but denying its power.”

We are warned, “Have nothing to do with such people.”

It goes on and says, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12-13)

How Are We to Respond?

So, in this crazy world where you can identify as anything, where everything goes, and where Godly values are being eroded, how are we to respond?

You cannot hide or run away. You cannot just blend in or sit on the fence. You cannot remove yourself. You are called to shine your light into the darkness and to take the Good News of Jesus to this dark world. 

The enemy has come to “kill, steal and to destroy” (John 10:10)

He is doing his best to wreck people’s lives, leading many off course down a slippery slope of no return. He’s leading many into bondage, death, decay, and despair.  

When war is declared against God, we need to stand up for what is right and true.

We need to fight if needed, but we cannot compromise.

In 1 Kings 18:21 we are told, “And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word.”

Baal was an evil ideology that led people away from God into sexual promiscuity and darkness. When the prophet of God challenged God’s people, many were just silent. You need to stand up for what is right and true.

We cannot compromise. In the middle of the trials and tribulations, we need to rise up. In the heat of the battle, even if it is too much to bear, we need to stand our ground.

I pray that you will find boldness to stand up for what is right in the middle of your fire of oppression.

Today I want to encourage you to stand strong. Hold onto God. Don’t compromise. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Persevere. Endure. Stay connected to Jesus.

Be brave. Be strong. Have courage. Be compassionate. Love. Be prepared to stand for what is right, even if it means being canceled.

Jesus told us, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34)

Romans 12:14 tells us to “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”

Romans 12:16-20 continues, “Live in harmony with one another. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

In Daniel 3, it tells the story of a powerful and ruthless King named Nebuchadnezzar. He ruled Babylon, a nation that had a form of spirituality and many gods.

King Nebuchadnezzar had a huge golden statue of himself designed that was over 90 feet tall, and it was set up in Babylon. People of all races and nations and languages were ordered to come to the dedication of the statue he had set up.

The people were told when the ceremony began and the music started, that they each had to “bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue.” Anyone who refused to obey this command was told that they would be “immediately thrown into a blazing furnace.” (Daniel 3:5-6)

And that is exactly what happened. In unison, it seemed like the entire nation just bowed as they were commanded. 

In the world we live in at present, it seems like we too have been commanded to bow to false and godless ideologies. And, if we do not, we face being ridiculed or canceled. The truth is that it is easier to just bow than to stand up for what is right. It is easier to just blend in, mindlessly accept empty philosophies, and go with the flow, even if it compromises our faith in God or God’s standards. Let’s face it, it is easier to just bow than to stand up for truth. It is easier to bow to political correctness and peer pressure than to stand up for God. 

Now in Babylon, under King Nebuchadnezzar’s rule, the majority just bowed to the King’s rules and godless decrees. However, there were three God-fearing young leaders in Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

These men were not prepared to serve the Babylonian gods and bow down to the golden statue. When King Nebuchadnezzar heard that they had refused to bow, he “flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him.” (Daniel 3:13)

When you stand up for God and his ways, you may face anger, or even be canceled.

The King asked, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up?” (Daniel 3:14)

When you stand up against tyrants and ideologies, you will be lambasted, threatened, intimidated, bullied, and made to feel like a troublemaker. 

The King then continued, “I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made. “But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” (Daniel 3:15)

You don’t have to bow to idols. Only bow to The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords. Only bow to Jesus. He is the Savior of the world. Don’t bow to false gods. Don’t bow to false ideologies. Only bow to Jesus. 

One day, “every knee will bow” and “every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Philippians 2:10-11)

You can bow to him now. If you choose not to bow now, you will still one day need to bow and acknowledge him as Lord and Savior on judgment day. 

You do not have to bow to godlessness. Don’t allow the enemy’s threats and intimidation to cause you to compromise or weaken your stand for God. Stay strong. Keep standing. Lean on God.

This is exactly what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. 

They replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)

These men refused to bow. They were not prepared to blend in or bow down to other gods. They could easily have averted the situation by just bowing, but they refused. They were not prepared to compromise.

God was the only God they served, and they wanted to make a stand for God. They believed that by honoring God and taking a stand for him, that he would come through for them.

And even if God didn’t come through, they were prepared to die for God. 

How about you? 

We are told, “Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.” (Daniel 3:19-20)

When you stand up to your enemy, you declare war. Remember, the battle belongs to The Lord. He has all power and authority. You can rest in him. And when you take your stand, the enemy will throw everything at you. The enemy may even win the first part of the fight, but he will not win the battle. 

“So they tied them up and threw them into the furnace, fully dressed in their pants, turbans, robes, and other garments. And because the king, in his anger, had demanded such a hot fire in the furnace, the flames killed the soldiers as they threw the three men in.” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames. (Daniel 3:21-23)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego should have died instantly, humanly speaking, but this didn’t happen. Something impossible happened, beyond human understanding. 

We are told, “But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied. “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god.” (Daniel 3:24-25)

These three men didn’t die. They were alive and were walking in the middle of the fiery furnace.

There was another in the fire. 

When you go through the fire, know that you are not alone. There is another in the fire, with you. His name is Jesus, and he has promised that he “will never leave you. He will never forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

We are told, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)

If God is “with you” and “for you”, you will be okay. 

When King Nebuchadnezzar saw another in the fire, he thought it was a god, but we know it was The Living-All-Powerful-God. He was with them in the middle of the fire. 

I need you to know that God is more powerful than any opposition. God is stronger than any demonic onslaught. He is mightier than any enemy. He is greater than any challenge or test that you can ever face. He is stronger than any foe. He can turn your mess into a miracle. And, he is with you, even in the middle of your fiery trial.

In the middle of the fire, keep standing. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Persevere. Endure. Hold onto Jesus. If he is with you, even in the fire, you will be okay. 

God can silence the avenger and the enemy. He can turn the tide. He can bring light into your darkest situation. Nothing, absolutely nothing is too hard for our God. 

Don’t quit. Don’t give up on your hopes and dreams. Even if you are at the end of your tither, keep holding onto God.

Your situation may not be what you have chosen, but if God is in it, it will all be okay. Don’t compromise. Don’t become complacent. Stand strong. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to compromise. They were prepared to die. They had an eternal mindset, knowing that life was all about pleasing God. They knew that there was more to just the life here and now. They had decided to go out and serve God no matter what came their way. 

After observing the three men in the fire, with God protecting them, we are told, “Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire.” (Daniel 3:26)

When King Nebuchadnezzar saw the faith of these three men and God’s intervention, his whole attitude changed. He even referred to their God as “the Most-High-God”, the God who was stronger, mightier, and more powerful than any other God. 

When you stand up for God, he will manifest his glory. When you stand up for God, he will silence the enemy. He will turn your test into a testimony. He will turn your mess into a mighty miracle. 

Do you know the Most-High-God? He wants to be your Savior.

If you want to start or restart your walk with God, click here to pray a simple prayer we have set up for you.

We are told, “Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!” (Daniel 3:27)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not burned. Not a single hair on their heads was singed. They didn’t even smell like smoke. Hallelujah!

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” (Daniel 3:28)

Nebuchadnezzar saw the reality of the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and had no choice but to worship the living God. 

The King then made a promise, “Therefore, I make this decree: If any people, whatever their race or nation or language, speak a word against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they will be torn limb from limb, and their houses will be turned into heaps of rubble. There is no other god who can rescue like this!” Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon.” (Daniel 3:29-30)

Because of the stand Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego took for God, not only was God honored and exalted in a godless nation, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were promoted and blessed for their no-compromise stance. 

God protected and blessed his faithful followers, and he will bless and protect you too, if you stand for what is true and right.

Have You Compromised? 

Have you bowed to the enemy? Have you compromised your walk with God? 

Today, you can choose to turn from your compromise and return to God. Today, you can take your stand for God. Today you have a choice.

Where do you stand with God? How is your relationship with God? Have you let go of God? Are you living in compromise? If so, return to God.

“If you return to the Almighty, you will be restored.” (Job 22:33)

Return to God. Surrender your life to Jesus. Take a stand for God.

Do you realize that Jesus took a stand for you? He gave his life on the cross for our sins to redeem us. He didn’t compromise. He was prepared to die for our sins, to pay the full price for our transgressions, so that we can go free and have abundant, eternal life. 

Will you stand for God? If so, invite Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.   

If you want to start or restart your walk with God, click here to pray a simple prayer we have set up for you.

Are You Facing a Tough Situation Today?

You may be in the fire. Maybe you have been threatened and intimidated because of the stand you have taken for God. Maybe you are facing the greatest test of your life. You may be in the middle of a heated battle. Keep standing! 

God is our deliverer. He is in complete control. Stand up for him.

You May Ask, “Why must I go through this, Lord?”

God often takes his people through the fire. It is in the fire that we are tested. It is in the fire that we grow, where our character is refined. And, when we come out, God is honored and exalted. 

Jesus said, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” (Matthew 5:11)

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

You Are Not Alone in the Fire.

There is another one in the fire, who is mighty to deliver and set you free. He has you covered. He is your protector and your provider. What the enemy meant for evil, our God will turn around for the good. Jesus is with you in the fire. He will bring you through. If God is with you, you will be okay. 

God Can Cause ALL THINGS to Work Out For the Good. 

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28)

Your situation may seem impossible but know this: Jesus says, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

Put Your Faith in God. 

Again, Jesus tells us, “For truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.” (Matthew 17:20-21)

Your story may not be what you have chosen. You may ask, “Why must I go through this fire?” You may have many questions. Your trial may be scary. The outlook may be grim. You may have much pain and anguish. But know this, God is still in control. His grace is enough. 

May God give you peace and joy, even in the middle of your fiery trial.   

“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7)

Make Jesus the center of your life. Look up. Be joyful always. Don’t worry. Stand firm. 

God’s word to his people in Isaiah facing many challenges was this, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1-3)

He is still the same loving God who wants the best for his children. 

The enemy tried to kidnap you, but I have news for you. Jesus has already paid the ransom.

On the cross, he paid the full price to set you free from sin and bondage. Jesus paid the full price to ransom you, to buy you back. He is with you in the deep water. He is with you in the middle of the crisis. He is with you when you go through rivers of difficulty. You will not drown, for he is your lifesaver. He is with you in the fire of oppression. The fire will not consume you. You will not burn up. 

Stand tall. Stay strong. Be bold. Burn brighter. Keep shining.

God knows what you are facing. He is with you. He will see you through. He is your Savior.

Remember, it is not over until God says it’s over.

God has the final say.

He is sovereign, all-knowing, and all-powerful

If God is for you, who can be against you?

Nothing Can Separate Us From His Love. 

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?” (Romans 8:35)

Overwhelming Victory Belongs to God’s Children. 

“No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:37-39)

God Can Turn Your TEST into a Great TESTIMONY.

May God take your story and turn it around for his glory. May God protect you in the fire and bring you out of the fire, without even smelling of smoke. May God take your mess and do a mighty miracle. May he turn your mess into a powerful message of hope. 

Get Connected. Stay Connected.

Don’t compromise. Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Persevere. Endure. Stand courageously. Stay connected to Jesus. 

And, if you are not connected to Jesus, what are you waiting for? Get connected to Jesus. He is your Savior. 

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)

If you want to start or restart your walk with God, click here to pray a simple prayer we have set up for you.