Daniel 6:6-9
So these administrators and satraps went as a group to the king and said: “May King Darius live forever! 7 The royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers and governors have all agreed that the king should issue an edict and enforce the decree that anyone who prays to any god or human being during the next thirty days, except to you, Your Majesty, shall be thrown into the lions’ den. 8 Now, Your Majesty, issue the decree and put it in writing so that it cannot be altered—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” 9 So King Darius put the decree in writing.10 Now when Daniel learned that the decree had been published, he went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Daniel was thrown in the lion’s den with no possible escape because he chose to worship the Lord and not pray to a false god.
Sometimes we face difficult situations that can hurt our witness for Jesus. Will we choose to give into our fears, or will we stand even though we are afraid? True courage is facing our fears. Sometimes not giving into our fears comes with a cost, but God is with us no matter what happens.
Acts 4:1-4
The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. 3 They seized Peter and John and, because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day. 4 But many who heard the message believed; so the number of men who believed grew to about five thousand.
Peter and John trusted God despite the cost, and God blessed many people. Instead of giving into fear, they stepped forward boldly despite it.
What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through these scriptures?