Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered, "Your Majesty, we will not try to defend ourselves. If the God whom we serve is able to save us from the blazing furnace and from your power, then he will. But even if he doesn’t, Your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god, and we will not bow down to the gold statue that you have set up."

Daniel 3:16-18

Daniel’s three friends faced a challenge, but they did not budge. They knew their refusal to worship the image might result in their death, but they did not waver. They proved they were true to God by standing firm. The LORD still permits trials and temptations to enter the lives of His children. The challenge may come as an opportunity to gratify the lusts of the flesh, or as a series of disheartening circumstances. Whatever form it takes, we must not yield. Rather, we must stand for what is right and trust God to supply the grace we need.

A gem cannot be polished without friction,

nor can we be perfected without trial.

Our Daily Bread – September 19, 2003