Rhapsody of realities June 13, 2025.

STAND FIRM—REFUSE TO COMPROMISE
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee (Isaiah 43:2).

You may find yourself buffeted by pressures and persecutions on every side for the sake of the Gospel; don’t despair. What you’re doing has a future. Your labour in the Lord is not in vain; it is purposeful and eternal. God never promised that everything would be smooth or without challenges. He told us there would be difficulties, trials and adversaries. But in the midst of them all, He assured us of His presence and victory.

Recall what we read in our opening scripture; He didn’t say there would be no tempest or fire. The promise is not the absence of challenges but the assurance of His presence and protection for you in the midst of adversities. It helps you understand the reason He says, “Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests” (James 1:2).

The Bible tells us in Daniel 3 about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, three young men who stood firm in their faith despite fierce opposition. Their story is often remembered for the fiery furnace and their miraculous deliverance, but there’s more to it. Before they were thrown into the flames, they faced condemnation, rejection and false accusations. They endured hatred and opposition simply because they refused to compromise their faith.

2 Corinthians 4:17 says, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." So, there’re things you’ll have to face, go through, stand against and confront for you to live the godly life that the Lord has given you. There may be adversaries on every side, but in the midst of them all, you’re more than a conqueror. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.”

Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). He assures in Matthew 28:20 (NIV), "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Set your eyes on the future and on His glory. Refuse to be distracted by the temporary challenges. Be confident that no matter what, His Word will prevail in your life and His glory will always be revealed in and through you.

Prayer / Confession
I stand firm in faith, irrespective of the challenges or oppositions, because the greater One lives in me. God's Word puts me over every trial, and I walk in perpetual victory. Thank you Lord for your presence, your protection, and your Word that never fails, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Further study
1 Corinthians 15:57-58; Romans 8:31-37; 2 Corinthians 4:17 AMPC

1-year bible reading plan
Acts 4:1-31; 2 Chronicles 16-19