The Cost and Courage of Discipleship I

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The Courage to Stand: Testimonies of Boldness in Faith

It never ceases to amaze me how to the point of death people could hold on to their beliefs. One of the characteristics of human, is to flee when there is danger, run away from what promises to endanger him. So, why then do some people stay, knowing fully well that could be their end? The answer is simple - Faith. "Now, Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen". And that substance is exactly the basis of our Christian living. To normal human beings, it is madness, but to us, it is Faith.

Have you not wondered what exactly made the three Hebrew boys refuse to bow, knowing fully well that they'd be burnt? or what made Esther go to the king knowing fully well that her head could go for it? Or what made Daniel worship God knowing fully well he would land in the den?

The one I find particularly intriguing is the story of the three Hebrew Men; "We will not bow", as I popularly refer to it. Let us review the testimony of their Faith together. 


The Courageous Faith of the Three Hebrew Men

In the third chapter of the book of Daniel, we find an inspiring story of faith, courage, and obedience. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three Hebrew men who refused to bow to the idolatrous demands of King Nebuchadnezzar, is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity.

The King's Decree

King Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of the Babylonian Empire, had erected a massive golden statue in the plain of Dura. The statue was 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide, and the king had decreed that everyone in the empire must bow down and worship the statue whenever music was played. Anyone who refused to comply would be thrown into a fiery furnace.

The Hebrew Men's Refusal

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three high-ranking officials in the king's court, were among those who refused to bow to the statue. As Hebrews, they were devoted to the one true God and could not bring themselves to worship an idol. Despite the clear danger, they stood firm in their faith, even when faced with the king's wrath.

The King's Fury

When King Nebuchadnezzar learned of the Hebrew men's refusal, he was furious. He summoned them to his court and demanded to know why they had disobeyed his decree. The men explained that they could not worship the statue, as it went against their faith. The king, enraged, ordered the furnace to be heated to its highest temperature, and the men were bound and thrown into the flames.

A Miraculous Deliverance

As the men were thrown into the furnace, a miraculous event occurred. The flames did not harm them, and they were seen walking around in the fire, unscathed. In fact, a fourth figure, described as "like a son of the gods," was seen with them. This figure was likely an angel or a manifestation of God Himself.

The King's Amazement

When King Nebuchadnezzar saw the men walking around in the fire, he was amazed. He ordered them to be pulled out of the furnace, and when they emerged, not a hair on their heads was singed. The king was so impressed with their faith and the miraculous deliverance that he issued a new decree, praising the God of the Hebrews and prohibiting anyone from speaking against Him.


A Lesson in Courage and Faith

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in the face of adversity. Their courage and obedience to God's commands, despite the danger, are an inspiration to us all. As we face our own challenges and trials, may we draw strength from their example and trust in the same God who delivered them from the fiery furnace.

There are several other instances, and we can't fail to realize that where there's Faith, there is boldness. It gives us courage to stand for things to come, knowing fully well the glory that is before us. "Those who know their God shall be strong and do exploit". That knowing implies Faith. Those who have Faith in their God and His abilities, shall be strong (bold, courageous) and do exploits.



When Faith Costs You Everything: Modern-Day Sacrifices for Christ


“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In the last article we discussed how surprising the faith of people can be, and we even discussed testimonies that were wrought in the lives of those that kept the faith. 

But do you know that sometimes faith can cost a person badly and maybe even cost everything. But does that mean it’s bad to keep our faith No, it doesn’t. In fact, it validates faith the more, showing that it is indeed a great virtue to have, since even with the costs it may have people have still kept it over the years. 

It is essential for us to make sacrifices even as Jesus made the ultimate one for us, it doesn’t have to be the same magnitude as Christ (we aren’t even worthy of that kind of sacrifice) “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” ‭‭John‬ ‭15‬:‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬. Indeed, there isn’t a greater love or a greater sacrifice. 

But you still have to show God that you’re indeed serious about keeping faith in Him no matter the trials or tribulations that may come with it. 

Even in our modern times we should still make sacrifices for God to strengthen our faith in Him, whether it’s from spending time in His presence even when it isn’t convenient, paying your tithes and offerings even when money is tight or in financial distress, helping the needy among so many other modern ways we can make sacrifices to God to show that we indeed believe in everything He has said in His word. 

It takes a devoted person to keep something that the person knows can bring costs dearly, that why we need the grace of God to be able to willingly make sacrifices to God to strengthen our faith and to show God that we indeed love Him and that we are serious about keeping the faith even in bad or impossible situations. 

Don’t think you are devoted enough to keep the faith with your power always ask God for grace because in His word He said, “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah‬ ‭64‬:‭6‬ ‭KJV‬‬. 

So, ask God today to give you grace to easily make sacrifices even in this modern times so as to strengthen your faith and be ready for any costs it may bring. Shalom Shalom.



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