Against the Flow: Holiness in a Hostile Worldናሙና

Day 6: Never Turning Back

I have decided to follow Jesus (x3)

No turning back, no turning back.

Though no one joins me, still I will follow (x3)

No turning back, no turning back.

The cross before me, the world behind me (x3)

No turning back, no turning back.

This hymn originated from India and was the last word uttered by a Garo tribal man who was martyred for this faith. These words eventually became a folk song sung by new converts among the Garo tribe as a confession of their faith in Christ. In Singapore, most of us may not face such an extreme experience in taking a stand for what we believe. However, if that day comes, would we be prepared to pledge our allegiance to Christ, no matter the cost?

This chapter begins with Nebuchadnezzar enforcing the worship of the golden statue, as a way of compelling his subjects to display loyalty to him. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s refusal to do so enrages Nebuchadnezzar, prompting him to question them personally. The three friends’ response to Nebuchadnezzar was startling. They stood their ground and acknowledged God’s power to save them but did not presume God would. Deliverance or death, they refused to bow down to other idols.

The three friends teach us that true faith does not always expect or demand that God must deliver us. Rather, it believes in God’s ability to save, yet accepts the outcome, no matter the consequences. They did not seek death but did not shirk it either. It challenges us to consider our own responses in times when God does not answer our prayers for deliverance. If placed in a similar situation, would you be able to pray “even if He does not” prayers and continue to remain faithful, entrusting the outcome to God?

Unlike the three friends, we do not face directives ordering us to bow down to a statue. However, the threat of idolatry is a lot more subtle and equally threatening to our faith today. If you had to take a stand for what you believe to be the detriment of your reputation or career, would you? If you would be alone in doing what is right in God’s eyes, would you? If the decision to abide in Christ and to follow His ways would cost you financially and relationally, would you?

The world is constantly luring us to live out its demands and ways. But as a child of God, would you decide to leave the world behind, fix your eyes on the Cross and never turn back?

Prayer points:

• Do you presume that God must always answer your prayers for deliverance? Pray for your heart to grow to trust God’s heart and ways in all circumstances. Ask God to help you to stay faithful to Him even if He acts in ways you may not understand.
• Is there an area of your life where you struggle to stand firm as a believer? Pray for the Holy Spirit to empower you to follow God’s ways no matter the cost. Be honest with your struggles as you go to God in prayer.