No Matter What

   He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God as he had done previously. – Daniel 6:10

Today’s culture has become hostile toward Christians and tolerance toward the Christian faith by legislators, administrators, and judges has been declining. It is not so different from the times in which Daniel lived, although his circumstances were different. His culture was foreign and openly antagonistic toward people of faith. His enemies were using the legal system to attack him personally. They weren’t intent on just hurting him or harming him – they wanted to destroy him. He faced pressure to compromise. How did he manage? Without apology, Daniel practiced his faith openly. He was ultimately able to give witness to the faithfulness of God. He never lost his ability to thank God in all circumstances. And God honored him. 

In the first century Christian church, Polycarp was bishop of Smyrna. He was a godly man who had known the apostle John personally. The Roman culture around him was antagonistic, and the proconsul instructed him to renounce Christ. Records say that Polycarp replied, “Eighty-six years have I served Him and He never did me any injury. How can I then blaspheme my King and Savior?” His fate was different from Daniel’s. He was burned at the stake and yet gave joyful testimony of his faith in his Savior. 

Both of these heroes of the faith remained true to the Lord—no matter what! Both were thankful to the Lord for His provision. Both were prayer warriors, strengthened by the time they spent with their God! Psalm 34:1 says, “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” Make that your testimony today—no matter what. Pray for Christians in high seats of government to remain faithful in their witness for the Savior. 

Today’s Verse: Daniel 6:10

When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem. He got down on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously. 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Recommended for further reading: Psalm 34:1-9

I will bless the Lord at all times; 
    his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord; 
    let the humble hear and be glad. 
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me, 
    and let us exalt his name together! 

4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me 
    and delivered me from all my fears. 
5 Those who look to him are radiant, 
    and their faces shall never be ashamed. 
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him 
    and saved him out of all his troubles. 
7 The angel of the Lord encamps 
    around those who fear him, and delivers them. 

8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! 
    Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! 
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints, 
    for those who fear him have no lack! 

All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.


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