What made the three young men ready to be cast in to the eviscerating furnace?  They had determined before hand that they were not going to bow down to any false gods and steeled themselves against the possibility, when it arrived the decision, their prayers and their resolve had already been determined.  Why Daniel, why Iran or as it was known then Persia? Do you think he decided to disobey the king’s orders at the moment he began to pray or had he solidly determined that there was nothing in this world worth suffering that could be worse than worshiping false gods?  What makes you stand still when the heat is being turned up around you?

Whose promises have you accepted and determined to live within?  Are you still courting satan and the lies regarding finding resolution, safety, fealty and fulfillment in this world?  Come on be honest.  Is there something, someone, some place or position that you hold so admirably that you continue to pour your best energies toward that reward? It is okay to tell the truth, after all that is all you will get from God.  Are you preparing yourself for testing moment or a succession of testing moments where you will have to publicly declare your allegiance to Christ?  Oh, I see, you were critical of Peter, but you shared his lack of preparation and honesty.  I joined the marine corps that I might be ready to fight, I study the Word that I might know my God and give a solid defense of my faith and I prepare my heart for the inevitable moment when I will be called upon to declare Jesus Christ my Lord and savior, even to the loss of life, liberty, friends, family or possessions.  What you practice you will do.  What are you practicing?

Muscle memory, will it travail in getting me to take a stand and say the words the Holy Spirit bids my mouth speak. I know that we are not meant to face God’s Wrath, but persecution is coming, in fact already accepted as normal practice every where but this blessed United States.  What happens to each of our immature believers when challenged, as they very well could be in the coming years waiting for Christ?  This is not simply me or you alone against the world.  We are the body of Christ, meant for each other.  Therefore, it is incumbent on body leader’s, elders or mature brother’s to aide in preparation of them who may not be ready for what could surely come.  I pray that I do not flinch, falter, cower or hide when my testing comes.  I hope that if asked to do so that I willingly suffer for and with Christ, but you can only know what you will do when the opportunity confronts you.  Remember, though Peter failed, he believed the Lord and stepped out of the boat walking upon the water in limited faith.  It is not wise to accept a preaching or teaching position if you do not intend to prepare them who look to you for guidance.  What will the sheep entrusted to your protection do when their testing comes?

I bid you stand your ground, whether it be government, enemy soldiers or spiritual oppressors, furnace, fire or giants.  The Lord is our shepherd, he is faithful to deliver us from all evil and he has overcome death and the devil.  What then shall I fear if all my oppressors fear God.  They know who the righteous power is, why then should I be convinced to accommodate their deception?  Prepare yourself, spend time on your knees now so that you may stand on your feet when the opportunity arrives.  Listen for the voice of the Holy Spirit and follow him alone.  In Christ’s name I pray to the Father for your safety, supply and courage in the coming days of storm.