November 13

In Daniel 1–3, we see the story of young men who remained faithful to God while living in a foreign land. Daniel and his friends refused to defile themselves with the king’s food, choosing obedience over comfort. Later, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced a fiery furnace rather than bow to an idol. Their words ring with unshakable conviction: Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us... but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods. Their courage was not based on guaranteed rescue but on unwavering trust in God’s sovereignty. And God did not abandon them—He met them in the fire.

Psalm 88 is one of the darkest psalms, a cry from a heart overwhelmed by sorrow and loneliness. The psalmist feels surrounded by darkness and distant from God. Yet even in despair, he continues to pray and call out to the Lord. Faith does not always feel triumphant; sometimes it looks like holding on when everything seems lost.

In John 17, Jesus prays for His disciples before going to the cross. His prayer reveals both His deep love and His desire for their perseverance. He prays that they would be protected, sanctified by truth, and unified in love. He also prays for all who would one day believe through their message—including us. Just as Daniel and his friends stood faithful in a foreign land, Jesus calls His followers to live set apart in the world, shining His light through obedience and love.

Together, these passages remind us that faith is not proven in ease but in testing. God may not always remove us from the fire, but He will always be with us in it. His presence transforms fear into courage, despair into prayer, and suffering into testimony.

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