Daily Devotional | Standing Tall

Peer pressure isn’t constrained to the halls of high school. It can find its way into the nooks and crevices of our work, friends, and culture. We give into peer pressure for many reasons. We may feel the need to be accepted. Or we would rather “go along” so we can “get along.” But the leaders whom God uses are those men and women who are willing to stand up for what they believe.

Standing up for God is what three young men did when faced with not only peer pressure but the possibility of death. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were far from home and enslaved by King Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. Showing tremendous courage, they refused orders to bow down and worship the king’s statue (v. 6). Nebuchadnezzar was so angered by their resistance that he ordered them to either worship him or be sentenced to death by fire (vv. 13–15).

It was decision time. Instead of giving in to peer and political pressure, these unlikely leaders responded with boldness and courage. But what puts their response to Nebuchadnezzar on the list of all-time greatest comebacks: “The God we serve is able to deliver us...but even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (vv. 17–18).

In response, Nebuchadnezzar ordered the heat to be turned up to scorching (v. 19). But God came to the boys’ rescue (v. 25). Many scholars believe that the fourth person in the fire was the pre-incarnate Jesus Christ. It can be challenging to do the right thing, especially in the face of peer pressure, but God uses leaders who can stand up when others so easily fall short.

>> Choose an area in your life where you need to be bold regarding your commitment to Christ. Sure, it might cost you something or someone, but remember, God will be with you the whole time.

Pray with Us

Please help our unbelief, Lord. Embolden us to put our commitment to You first. Guide us in making necessary changes in a way that glorifies You. Perhaps Your work in our lives will strengthen others to do the same.

BY Dr. Chris Rappazini

Dr. Chris Rappazini is Associate Professor of Pastoral Studies at Moody Bible Institute. He is the former President of the Evangelical Homiletics Society and previously served as an Associate Minister of Preaching and Teaching in Spokane, Washington. Chris and his wife, Ashley, and their children reside in Northwest Indiana.