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Every month a group of Christians gather at Shoney’s in Brentwood, Tennessee, for a prayer breakfast. In a public restaurant, we have the freedom to pray to God. We do not need to hide or meet behind closed doors in fear of adverse consequences.
In spite of this freedom, why do we often lack the boldness to proclaim Christ in the streets? Are we ashamed? Are we afraid? Do we fear people more than God?
Daniel, if anyone, had cause to be afraid. King Darius, at the urging of his advisors, issued a decree that during a certain 30-day period no one was allowed to pray to any god or man other than the king (Dan. 6:6-9). Daniel, in obedience to the Most High God, whose laws are above earthy laws (Acts 5:29), continued to pray to the one true God in spite of the king’s decree. Daniel even had the boldness to open his windows during each of his three daily prayer times (Dan. 6:10). There were consequences to his open profession of his faith in God as we read the rest of the story—David was thrown into the lion’s den and was miraculously delivered from death by God (Dan. 6:14-23).
We are not under such orders here in America. Religious freedom still reigns, and while we are able, we should not be afraid to share Jesus with others. “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power” (2 Tim.1:7, NIV).
I pray that God encourages you to take a cue from Daniel and praise the Lord whenever and wherever He leads you to do so. Seek His presence always. Pray continually (1 Thess. 5:17). Practice this now, let it take root in you, so that you will continue to grow into a strong and mature Christian who will not be shaken no matter what happens in our nation or the world. The day may come when this freedom will be taken away. Our faith must have a firm foundation if we are to stand up for God’s laws, against the world, and to speak His name boldly.
Why not begin now?
In spite of this freedom, why do we often lack the boldness to proclaim Christ in the streets? Are we ashamed? Are we afraid? Do we fear people more than God?
Daniel, if anyone, had cause to be afraid. King Darius, at the urging of his advisors, issued a decree that during a certain 30-day period no one was allowed to pray to any god or man other than the king (Dan. 6:6-9). Daniel, in obedience to the Most High God, whose laws are above earthy laws (Acts 5:29), continued to pray to the one true God in spite of the king’s decree. Daniel even had the boldness to open his windows during each of his three daily prayer times (Dan. 6:10). There were consequences to his open profession of his faith in God as we read the rest of the story—David was thrown into the lion’s den and was miraculously delivered from death by God (Dan. 6:14-23).
We are not under such orders here in America. Religious freedom still reigns, and while we are able, we should not be afraid to share Jesus with others. “God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power” (2 Tim.1:7, NIV).
I pray that God encourages you to take a cue from Daniel and praise the Lord whenever and wherever He leads you to do so. Seek His presence always. Pray continually (1 Thess. 5:17). Practice this now, let it take root in you, so that you will continue to grow into a strong and mature Christian who will not be shaken no matter what happens in our nation or the world. The day may come when this freedom will be taken away. Our faith must have a firm foundation if we are to stand up for God’s laws, against the world, and to speak His name boldly.
Why not begin now?