[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Can God count on you?

By Oke Chinye Read: DANIEL 3:8–30 Meditation verse: “But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3:18). Three young men stood in the moment of truth; bow down to the king's golden image or be thrown into a fiery furnace. It would have been so easy to bow, after all, it was just a small compromise to make life easier for them in a foreign land. It did not necessarily mean they were no longer faithful to God. However, they were wise enough to understand that compromising would poison their allegiance to Jehovah. So, against all odds, they chose to defy the king's command. And God honoured their commitment. You may find yourself in a moment of truth sooner or later faced with a temptation to compromise just to make life a little easier. It may be to alter the figure, jump the queue, tell a little lie to look good, engage in an adulterous relationship, give that bribe to obtain a favour, or what have you. Can God count on you at such moments to say: 'let it be known that I will not bow?'. Refusing to bow can be a very lonely road to travel. Picture Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego standing before the crowd, whilst the officials prepared the fiery furnace. It is much easier to follow the crowd. But if you want to excel in life and fulfil your purpose, you must learn to stand alone sometimes. The journey to Calvary was a very lonely and painful one for Jesus Christ. However, the three young men were not alone, the bible says there was a fourth man was in the fire with them. Similarly, in your own moments, you are never alone. God promises to be with you always. “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:2). Remembering that God is always with you, will help you make the right choice in your moment of truth. IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Dcns Oke Chinye, Founder, The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM) For Prayers and Counseling email [email protected] or call +2348155525555 For more enquiries, visit: www.rockteachingministry.org