4 August | Youth
«Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us […]. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.» Daniel 3:17-18
Over the years, I have seen young people deal with trials with different perspectives. I am amazed when I meet people resisting pressure, challenge, temptation and sin. What gives strength to a young person when passing through trials?
We can find the answer in the story of Daniel's three friends. In fact, we can see two motivations for overcoming our trials. The first is that the perception you have of God will determine the level of your commitment to Him. These young people said: “Our God is able to free us. But if He doesn't want to free us, that's okay. We will not doubt His character; we will not doubt His faithfulness.”
Those who truly know God do not need immediate results. They know that staying on His side is always the best option, even if, in the present, the trial is tough. People like this do not serve God for what He gives, but for who He is.
In other words: Who is the God you serve and worship? What does He think of your commitment? The kind of God you know and serve will make a tremendous difference. These young people testified: “We know our God, and He is able! Our God has the power to deliver us, but we do not own His agenda.” This was their perception of God.
Who is God for you? This will make all the difference in difficult times! Furthermore, they were ready to do what was right regardless of the consequences. An unconditional commitment. Integrity is more important than life. God requires us to do what is right. The apostle Paul says: “For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s” (Rom 14:8). God is calling a generation to rise up, that has the boldness not to bow down, even if it has to pay a high price. Commit yourself to this calling!