Lesson 9: A Resolution
Remember in Lesson 1 when I mentioned that giving your life to Christ makes you an enemy to the devil? Yes, from the moment you made a decision to follow Christ, the enemy has continued to plot for you to change your decision. He will test you and bring temptations your way. Besides, life itself is full of challenges.
There are three characters in the Scriptures that will help me get this message across to you nicely. I will tell you their story below. Having been on this Christian journey for many years now, I must tell you this: you must be resolute about your love for God. You must be resolute about your decision to follow God all your days. There will be challenges; there will be trials and temptations, some expected, some unexpected. There are some life questions for which you won’t have an answer. There will be times all you can do is wait on the Lord. So, the question is, what will you do when life’s challenges come? Like anything of great value, your faith will be tested. Gold goes through fire to earn its worth and value. See what Jesus told us about life’s troubles in John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”
Let’s look at the story together now (paraphrased and retold: see full story in Daniel 3):
The three (3) Hebrew men (Daniel 3:1-30)
The decree has been made. No one was allowed to serve God or call on His name. Everyone was mandated to serve and worship the image (small god) erected by the governor of that state. There’s no way anyone could say, “I did not know.” The law was broadcasted live on televisions, radio networks, newspapers, and on all media channels. Everyone was required to worship this god as soon as an alarm sounded throughout the cities.
But there were three guys who were mayors and refused to serve or worship any other god except the living God. They disobeyed the governor’s decree. The governor summoned them and gave them the opportunity to change their decision not to worship his god, but their minds were made up. Read their words (Daniel 3:16-18 MSG), “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us. If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference, O king. We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”
They answered, “…even if our God does not save us, it wouldn’t make a difference…we still wouldn’t serve your gods…” The governor is furious! They were given their verdict; they would be punished and thrown into a burning fire!
Will you continue to say yes to Christ when every other person says no? Will you still continue to love God if He does not seem to show up at the time you need Him? You must be resolute about your faith in God. I have decided to follow Him all my days no matter what comes my way.
One important note: this type of decision is made on blind and reckless trust in God. It is better made before the storm comes. Once the decision is made, you are saying that there is no darkness that can make you doubt the Light you have. Darkness will come, but it won’t overcome you if you don’t give up in the middle of it. Just like the three guys, stay true to your God. God delivered them from the fire. They were thrown into the fire but were not burned. The Bible records that three people were thrown in, but the governor saw four people. God was with them in the fire. God will never leave you, either (Hebrews 13:5).
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Have you been in a situation where you are heading to a place, but you encountered all kinds of obstacles, yet you still made it there? What kept you from quitting?
This is the right time to make up your mind that you will always obey Him. When trouble comes, your decision keeps you going. IF YOU DON’T STAND FOR SOMETHING YOU WILL FALL FOR ANYTHING.
Read these verses from those who made a resolution about loving God: Psalm 34:1, Psalm 145:1, Psalm 119:106- WHY NOT JOIN THEM?
Say this prayer:
“Lord, I will serve you all my days; no turning back. I will never leave you. So help me, God.” (Keep on saying this until it becomes a solid rock within you.)
VIDEO:
Lesson application:
Compose a love/resolute word to God. Now, read these scriptures (Job 1:1-22, job 13:15, Job 42:10) and write down notes on how the character was resolute about his faith in God.
