Even if He Doesn't

Daniel 3:14-18

"Nebuchadnezzar said to them, 'Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?' Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, 'O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.'"

About 2600 years ago, three brave men made their decision to worship God. Although these three men have faith that their God is able to save them, they were resolved to worship Him even if it means death by the fiery furnace. They were not willing to give their worship to anyone else! What an incredible amount of faith!

However, these three men were not the only ones who had such resolution to worship God. Abraham resolved to worship God and was willing to sacrifice his one and only son, Issac; Moses resolved to worship God and was willing suffer with his people although he could have enjoyed the richness of the Egyptian Kingdom; David chose to worship God and placed his faith in Him when David faced Goliath despite the possibility of losing his life as a young lad. The disciples of Jesus were resolved to worship God even in the midst of persecution. The people of God worshiped Him despite the circumstances that surround them!

Often times when we read about these stories, we feel inspired to live a life to worship God. We feel the passion stirring within us to worship Him. Yet, in reality our passion just fades away too soon. What kind of experience did these people have which allowed them to live such radical lives? How did they become such persevering worshipers? Namely this: "...Though overwhelmed by many troubles, [a persevering worshiper] is overwhelmed even more by the beauty of God."-Matt Redman, The Unquenchable Worshipper
Though suffering, these people were able to worship God because they have experienced God Himself. They were able to withstand trials and suffering because they were overwhelmed even more by the beauty and worthiness of God Himself! They chose to worship God because God is worthy and bigger than all that they are facing!

In our society today, we all face a similar situation that those persevering worshipers face, namely our decision to worship God. "Situations change for better and for worse, but God's worth never changes." We must choose for ourselves whom we want to worship today! Yet, just like those who have gone before us, our worship must be fueled by the revelation of God Himself. Therefore, don't give up in seeking God in your quiet time and devotions! Be prayerful always!

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." -- Hebrews 12:1-2