Stand with Conviction

Pray – (1/2 minute)

Read – (2 1/2 minutes) – “Furious with rage, Nebuchadnezzar summoned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego . . . and said to them, ‘Is it true, . . . that you do not serve my gods or worship the image of gold I have set up? Now when you hear the sound of music, . . . fall down and worship the image I made. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?’ ” (Daniel 3:13-15)
     Passage: Ephesians 3:10-13

         A zookeeper walked calmly into exhibit with one male lion. After he walked out, a visitor remarked how incredibly brave he was to walk around without making sure the lion was out. The zookeeper replied, “No, I’m not brave. That lion is just real old and he has lost his teeth.” Anyone can be brave if there is no danger or consequence for an action. However, in the case of the young men, Nebuchadnezzar had teeth to enforce the threat of throwing them into a burning furnace for not bowing down.
    Courage is not the absence of fear. It is facing fear with conviction that is rooted in commitment. The three young men stood firm before Nebuchadnezzar because they had already determined their response. You will face temptations and different threats in your life to compromise and conform to the ways of the world. Stand with conviction upon God’s Word and let Him use you to make an impact for Christ.

Apply - (2 1/2 minutes)
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Pray - (1 1/2 minutes)