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Keeping the Faith

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Jesus said, '...In this world you will have trouble...' (John 16:33). Sure enough life keeps handing us fresh challenges that test our faith. How do you know how much weight a bridge will handle? Put some weight on it! Daniel was the victim of a major sting operation. Knowing he prayed regularly, his enemies persuaded King Darius that all prayers should be made to him. What ego! Nevertheless Daniel kept praying each day, in front of an open window, no less! When the king heard, he threw Daniel into a lions' den. But next morning Daniel came out, his enemies went in, and the king announced, '...the God of Daniel:... He is the living God...' (Daniel 6:26). Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to worship the king's idols. Even when warned to bow or burn they said, '...our God...is able to deliver us...But if not...we will not serve thy gods...' (Daniel 3:17-18). And because they '...kept the faith' God delivered them and promoted them! David faced down Goliath and refused to wear the king's armor. Why? Listen: 'I cannot go with these; for I have not proved them' (1 Samuel 17:39). So what did he go with? Listen: '...I come to thee in the name of the Lord...' (1 Samuel 17:45) and the rest is history! Now, chances are you'll never find yourself in a lion's den, a fiery furnace, or facing a giant, although some days it'll feel like it! But when you're under attack: a) pray and claim God's power b) keep the faith c) go '...in the name of the Lord...'

Prayer
Heavenly Father – help me fight the good fight and keep the faith – and finish the race! In Jesus’ Name, Amen