-1 Corinthians 15:57–58
Pressure. It comes in many forms: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual. Sometimes it threatens to cave us in, crushing heart and spirit like a flimsy tin can. How do we stand firm, though we are hard-pressed (2 Cor. 4:8)? What keeps us steadfast in the midst of affliction? Joyous in the face of overwhelming trials? In a word: God.
In the book of Daniel, we read the account of four young men from Judah—Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah—who were led off in captivity to a faraway country and ordered to serve in the palace of King Nebuchadnezzar. Before they entered the king’s service, Jewish captives were required to undergo a three year training designed to do one thing: indoctrinate and assimilate them into Babylonian culture. (Dan. 1:3–4)
They were given new names incorporating references to foreign gods (v.7). Their training included lessons on Babylonian language and literature. And the king assigned them a daily portion of food from his table, prepared in the custom of the surrounding culture (v.5).
“But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way” (Dan. 1:8). It might seem like Daniel was making a big deal over a little thing, but God asks us to be faithful in the little things (Lk. 16:10). Daniel realized that his relationship with God permeated every area of his life, even the food he put in his body. Consuming food sacrificed to idols was direct disobedience to the commands of God.
Daniel’s decision and request was remarkably courageous and bold, considering that rejecting the king’s menu could have been seen as rejecting the king himself! Such a refusal might have spoiled any chance of advancement for Daniel, and could have resulted in severe punishment. But God never abandons those who stand for Him!
Now Daniel and the others were no doubt under a lot of pressure to compromise and conform. Surrounded by a foreign culture and separated from family and home, it must have seemed as though God had forgotten them. Maybe they felt God had let them down. But in this we see how it is possible to prevail under pressure and glorify God before others, even in the midst of testing.
"Inner conviction helps us overcome outer pressure; God-honoring convictions yield God-given rewards."
Daniel knew what he believed. He knew who he was and whose he was. He was able to stand firm, letting nothing move him, because he knew that our efforts are never in vain when we trust in the Lord. His God-honoring convictions yielded for him and the others God-given rewards.
“To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning… The king talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah…” (v.17,19).
Purity of heart that leads to obedience and faithfulness is a sign of our dedication to God. And we can trust that as we put into practice the commands of His Word, His peace and strength will be within us, and He will meet all our needs (Phil. 4:9, 13, 19). We can stand firm in the victory of Christ Jesus, giving ourselves fully to the work of the Lord no matter what pressures we may face!
Thank you, Lord, for the victory that is ours through Christ! Help us to be prepared, ready, and willing to stand fast by You, no matter what the circumstances. May we be gentle, polite, and willing to be tested in Your commands and promises. Help us put into practice what we learn in the Word, receive from the Father, hear in Biblical teachings, and see in the example of godly men and women. May Your peace be with us. And may we do all things through You and Your strength, trusting that You will be faithful to meet our needs—physically, spiritually, emotionally, and materially. Let gratitude and love be our motivation as we remember the sacrifice of Your Son’s precious blood for our sins! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Reflection Questions
- What sort of pressures are you facing today?
- How does confidence in what you believe, who you are, and whose you are help you remain faithful when confronted with the pressure to compromise and conform?
- Has pressure kept you from “putting into practice” certain Biblical commands, or giving yourself fully to the work Jesus wants to do in your heart?