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I think every believer knows the exciting story of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego. I'm telling you, these three Jews had more backbone than what seemed good for them.

They were so persistent to stand that the furnace couldn't even melt their willpower. That kind of backbone seems to move God, and in fact, He even got in the furnace with them.

The book of Daniel displays the kind of attitude and outlook those three men had. Let's read it:
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
(Dan. 3:16-18)
I don't think King Nebuchadnezzar had ever run into this kind of opposition before—at least not over something as simple as "ways of worship." He was so shocked that he even gave them a second chance to do what he said.

Our God Will Deliver Us
These three men of God meant business. They openly declared that they would not bow to anything or anyone but Jehovah. They insisted that God was bigger and more powerful than the threat that was being imposed on their lives.

Can't you just see King Nebuchadnezzar's face when these three men told him that their God would deliver them and that even if He didn't, they would not bow. King Nebuchadnezzar became so furious that he heated the furnace seven times hotter than normal. How sad for him! It didn't affect God's kids one bit.

Isn't it just like the enemy to challenge us; and when we say no, he'll try to convince us with a show of force.

PHOOEY! What we need today is backbone like these boys had. They refused to bow. No way were they going to change their minds. If God rescued them—Hallelujah! If not—Hallelujah!

Sad to say, most Christians today would have changed their minds after the furnace was heated. Others surely would've backed down after the fire lapped up the strong men who were going to throw them in. Not too many Christians today would make it to the furnace!

"Brother Barclay, aren't you being pretty critical and hard on Christians?" If what I said isn't true, I wish more believers would show me instead of tell me. Show your backbone! How consistently do you attend church, pay your tithe, read your Bible, and work with your hands in God's Kingdom? How well do you receive rebuke, correction, and criticism?

If we took away all your gas money, would you still find a way to church? If we took away all your titles and duties, would you still be content in the house of the Lord? If Pastor taught a doctrine you disagreed with, would you join another flock? It is easy to see, my friend, that very few people today would fight to the end.

Some believers would refuse to bow regardless of the opposition, but most would bow out pretty easily.

It's Time To Rise Up
Praise God, we can change and do better. Those of us who have great backbone now should continue on, and those who don't can join up. Just try it! Look face-to-face with the enemy and watch him flee.

A prophecy was given over me by a great prophet of the Lord. A portion of it comes to mind as I write these truths. "When the adversary roars, you'll not back down, but you'll rise up against him and go forward."

The Bible says the devil goes about as (disguised as) a roaring lion. It doesn't say he is one.

Why is it that many of us can't fight as determinedly in the supernatural as we do in the natural? In a natural quarrel, we always want to have the last word. We say things like, "I would be glad to apologize after you say you're sorry." We think things like, I'll give in as soon as she does, but you can bet your boots I'm not giving in first."

We will drag out arguments for days because we refuse to quit before the other. Sometimes we forget the original issue that caused us to quarrel. "But, nevertheless, I'm not going to give in."

In a spiritual battle, many of us say things like, "I quit," or "God doesn't expect me to go through things like this!" We think things like, "I'm going to stay home for three weeks. I'll show them!" Or we entertain pity-party thoughts such as: "It was easier and more fun for me in the world. I've been miserable since I've become a Christian."

I really don't think it would be that hard for us to "refuse to bow" to our spiritual adversary. Now remember…we are not battling or wrestling against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers and might.
(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)
(2 Cor. 10:4)

Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore….
(Eph. 6:13-14)
This literally means we will still be standing (maybe in a furnace) when the dust has settled and the enemy is gone. But if that's what it takes to gain the victory, then that is what we must do.

We must refuse to quit, no matter how high the enemy turns up the heat. Just remember, he acts like a roaring lion, but is isn't one! You have authority over the devil, so go ahead and jump into your fight of faith—just like the three Jewish boys did.

They obtained the victory, and you will too.

Source: Enduring Hardness by Mark T. Barclay
Excerpt permission granted by Mark Barclay Ministries

Author Biography

Mark T. Barclay
Web site: Mark T. Barclay Ministries
 
Mark T. Barclay is known as a Preacher of Righteousness. He is a proven, precise leader among ministers worldwide. God has anointed him with a severely accurate prophetic ministry.
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