[Bible, Ministry & More] Courage from a silent partner

I AM AN ONLY CHILD!! When I was younger, and I would say that phrase it was like a badge of honor. However, sometimes it felt like a target.  

I remember getting into a fight with a boy when I was in the fourth or fifth grade. For the record, I did not start the fight. He had an older brother that, during the fight, was waiting in the wings to jump in and save his younger sibling. I knew that if I won the fight his older brother would be more than willing to assist if needed. It was almost like he had a silent partner. He was silent when he needed to be; but also prepared to be active. I wished I had a silent partner that day.  

As I look at Scripture, I’m reminded of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who had a silent partner that came to their rescue and gave them something that we all need as believers, courage. These guys were faced with a cultural dilemma. Either bow to the image the king set up or face the furnace. They chose to stand. It took courage for them to stand when others were bowing.  

Daniel 3:17-18 (NLT) is their courageous declaration. “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.” These guys were in a foreign land, under a foreign king, with foreign rules, but they remained faithful. And very tactful too, I might add.   

As Christians, we can identify with these young men. When the rules don’t match our faith, sometimes we just must stand. No picket signs, protests, or boycotts. Just stand. But how do you stand when you are facing a fiery furnace and a crazy king?  

Have faith that your silent partner will show up. “’Look!’ Nebuchadnezzar shouted. ‘I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!’” (Daniel 3:25 NLT).  

Surprised? We shouldn’t be. You see, God always shows up. He is “…a very present help IN trouble.” (Psalm 46:1 KJV).  

So, if you need courage. Don’t worry. Our Silent Partner is there with us in the fire.