Chapter 12: Standing Up for What You Believe:  Developing Spiritual Determination

3 Key Ideas:

• Belteshazzar, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were the only names of the Hebrew boys taken captive in Babylon that we remember.  As chapter 12 in Courageous Faith states; But these four are the only ones whose names we know because they appear to have been the only ones who stood up for their faith in God. (Ed Hindson 2017, p. 180).  These four stood their ground and didn’t compromise on their faith.  This reminds me that I too should never compromise on my faith in God, that he is and always will be there for me.
• Another key point that stood out to me was when Daniel found a way to stand his ground for his faith and not accept the king’s orders.  He took a chance by asking the kings steward to exempt him and his friends from the request.  The book states that Daniel says; “Please test your servants for ten days,” Daniel requested. “Give us nothing but vegetables to eat and water to drink. Then compare our appearance with that of the young men who eat the royal food” [Ed Hindson 2017, p. 182).  This was a way to make the steward feel like he had a choice, and put Daniel and his friend’s faith on the line.  This put them in a spot to not compromise their beliefs.  After their 3 years of training, they were healthier than those that the royal food.  In the end they didn’t compromise their faith and came out on top.  Again, I feel this is an excellent example of how we should never compromise on our faith just to please someone else’s idea on how something should be.
• Throughout this chapter we see the courage of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  They stood up for what they believed, even if that meant they were risking the loss of everything spiritually.  Our book says; the Hebrews put their fate in God’s hands. They were willing to give up their lives for their beliefs.  (Ed Hindson, 2017, p. 187).  Although we as Americans aren’t really ever put in the types of situations like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego we should we should remember their courage and sacrifice for their Faith in God.  As Courageous Faith says; But until we are willing to die for Him, we will never fully live for Him (Ed Hindson 2017, p. 187).  As Christian we should live our life for God and never be afraid to stand up for what we believe.

2 Things I learned

• Daniel lived during the 70 years of Babylonian captivity and finally turned Nebuchadnezzar toward faith in God.
• I learned that many of the Hebrew boys taken captive compromised their faith to keep them safe from Nebuchadnezzar.

1 thing I can use

• One thing I learned from Chapter 12 of Courageous Faith is to live more like Daniel and never be ashamed of my faith and to always stand up for what I believe.  I haven’t always been the most vocal with sharing my faith, I tend to be on the shy side.  Reading about Daniel’s courage gives me the spark I needed to share my faith with others.

References

Hindson, E. (2017). Courageous Faith. Chattanooga: AMG Publishers.