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.