Daily Reflections From God's Word

Tag: Courage

  • But If Not—The Fireproof Faith of the Faithful

    Daniel 3:16–18 (NKJV)“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, 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.’” Daniel 3:16-18 (NKJV)

    There’s a line in this passage that should stop us in our tracks: “But if not…”

    It’s not a lack of faith.

    It’s not doubt.

    It’s full-on, furnace-ready, God-centered conviction.

    These young men looked the most powerful ruler on earth in the face and said, “Do your worst. Our God is able. But even if He doesn’t—we still won’t bow.”

    Now, pause right there. How many of us are still standing when God doesn’t answer the way we want Him to?

    We live in an age where faith is often treated like a spiritual vending machine. Punch in a verse, press “prayer,” and expect the blessing to fall. But this passage reminds us—biblical faith isn’t measured by the outcome. It’s measured by obedience, no matter the cost.

    These men didn’t just believe God could deliver them. They believed He was worthy, even if He didn’t.

    That’s not just bold. That’s holy.

    And it makes me wonder—what kind of faith am I living out in front of others? Is it the kind that stands firm when culture applauds me, but folds the moment I get called out? Or is it the kind that can stand in front of the fire, knowing God can deliver, but being fully committed even if He chooses not to?

    Truth be told, many of us are more like the Israelites who bowed than these three who stood.

    We rationalize.

    We compromise.

    We say, “God knows my heart,” while our knees hit the ground before golden idols we no longer even recognize as idols—popularity, acceptance, politics, status, convenience.

    But the real question we have to ask today is: Are we building a faith that will hold up when the fire is turned up?

    That’s not just a rhetorical question. It’s one that demands a response.

    Where in your life have you been “careful” when you should’ve been courageous?

    What cultural pressures have you allowed to shape your obedience?

    What if God doesn’t answer your prayer the way you hoped—will you still worship Him?

    We need a revival of that “but if not” kind of faith. A faith that’s fireproof because it’s not based on the outcome—it’s based on the One who walks with us through the fire.

    And friend, don’t miss this: Jesus didn’t show up before the fire. He met them in it.

    Sometimes your deliverance isn’t from the fire—it’s through it.

    Reflection Questions:

    1. What are you currently facing that feels like a fiery furnace?

    2. Are you trusting God to deliver you, or only following Him if He does?

    3. What would it look like for you to stand without compromise this week?

    Let’s get honest, church. Let’s stop bowing and start standing.

    Prayer: Lord, give me a boldness like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Help me to stand firm in the face of pressure and not bend to the world’s demands. May I trust in Your ability to deliver—but walk in obedience even if You don’t. Strengthen my resolve to honor You no matter the cost. In Jesus’ name, amen.

  • The Opportunity You Ignored Might Be the Answer You Prayed For

    We’ve all been there. We pray sincere prayers—God, make me more patient. Give me courage. Help me love better. And then life barrels forward, full of interruptions, discomfort, and frustrating people… and we miss the point.

    I read a story recently that stopped me in my tracks.

    A man prayed earnestly for three things: patience, courage, and compassion. That day, he yelled at his neighbor, hid during a crisis, and turned away a hungry stranger. That night, in confusion and disappointment, he asked God why He hadn’t answered. God’s reply was simple and devastating: “I gave you opportunities—but you weren’t paying attention.”

    It’s sobering, isn’t it?James 4:3 (NKJV) says,

    “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures.”

    Sometimes, what we call unanswered prayer is actually a misunderstood one. We want to feel different, but God wants us to become different. That requires pressure. It demands participation.

    We say, “Lord, take this from me,” and He says, “Lay it down.”

    We ask, “Change me,” and He says, “Follow Me.”

    He will empower, but we must obey.

    We don’t get stronger by avoiding the weight—we get stronger by lifting it. And when we ask God to grow us, we must expect the workout, not just the wish. The opportunity, not just the outcome.

    So today, pause and ask:

    What opportunities have I ignored?

    Where did I choose comfort over growth?

    Where did I miss Him, because I wasn’t paying attention?

    He may not hand you patience—but He’ll hand you someone that tests it.

    He may not drop compassion into your heart—but He’ll place someone in your path who needs it.

    He may not drop courage in your lap—but He’ll give you a moment to stand tall.

    The answer to your prayer might not look like a gift. It might look like a challenge. But make no mistake—it’s an answer all the same.

  • When Trust Has No Borders: Following God Into Deeper Waters

    Yesterday morning, I found myself meditating on the powerful invitation found in the song “Oceans” by Hillsong: “Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders…”

    Such words challenge us, not to cling to safe ground, but to step bravely into the unknown, confident that God’s hand will guide us every step of the way. This reflective practice has led me to ponder what real, unreserved trust in God looks like in the midst of our daily lives.

    Consider the story of Peter, who stepped out of the boat to walk on water (Matthew 14:29 NKJV). Peter’s journey wasn’t one of immediate or unerring faith; it was marked by moments of courage amid fear, breakthrough amidst stumbling. In much the same way, our lives are a series of small, courageous acts—moments when we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit even when the path is obscured by uncertainty. The call to “walk upon the waters” is a vivid metaphor for stepping out of our comfort zones and into an arena where God’s power is made perfect in our weakness.

    Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV) reminds us, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding…” This is not simply an instruction for idealistic times, but a daily reminder for when our feet falter and our hearts quaver. The reality of living out such a trust is not without struggles. There are days when the shadows of doubt linger, when our human instincts compel us to retreat to safety. Yet, it is precisely in those moments that faith is refined and our spirits are strengthened.

    Reflecting on my own journey, I see that trusting God fully involves acknowledging the real challenges we face—financial struggles, relational tensions, personal failings—and choosing to rely on the assurances of God’s word despite these difficulties. It means letting the Holy Spirit lead us into spaces where vulnerability meets divine strength.

    This kind of trust is countercultural; it asks us to believe in a promise that goes beyond what is visible and tangible. It’s an invitation to surrender, and in that surrender, discover a deeper intimacy with our Savior.

    Today, I invite you to reflect on what “trust without borders” means in your personal walk.

    Where has God called you out of your comfort zone?

    What waters are you willing to step into, trusting that His presence will make you steady?

    Share your thoughts and struggles in the comments below, and let’s build each other up as we journey toward a more authentic, fearless faith. May every step you take, no matter how uncertain, lead you closer to the heart of our Lord.