I know everyone has heard of the young men in the bible named Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These were three Hebrew young men that were thrown into a fiery furnace by the king of Babylon named Nebuchadnezzar II. This was the punishment for not obeying the king’s orders to bow down to the golden image of King Nebuchadnezzar. The 3 boys used their faith and loyalty to not obey the King, they instead suffered the consequences of being thrown into the fiery furnace. I can imagine that at the time they made the decision to disobey the king’s order they did not know the outcome or victory of the situation.
Youth in today’s situation as you face giants, bullies and other obstacles you must stand on your faith by trusting God. Some of today’s challenges that our youth face today is bullying online and in person, violence in our neighborhoods, they may experience this in person and on television and other places, our teens today are facing mental issues, health issues, peer pressure, stress, negative body images, and so much more.
I know the life of our youth is far from perfect, but I want all youth to be encouraged and stand firm in your belief that you are a youth of the King. One of my favorite scriptures is Deuteronomy 31:6 which reads: Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. If I were to speak more clearly where a young person can really understand me. I would say to them “Don’t worry God has your back or God is your ride or die.”
This scripture has already been proven to be true by the 3 Hebrew boys so long ago when they were thrown into the fiery furnace and were not consumed. The presence of God was with them then and the presence of God is with you now as you walk through life’s challenges. God’s word is the same today, tomorrow, yesterday and forever more.
Youth, continue to be encouraged and stand on your faith and belief in God and Go higher!
S – Stand up for ChristT – To be a young example and warriorA – As you walk in holiness dailyN – Now is the time to remain firm in your spiritual walk and belief toD – Dedicate your life to Jesus Christ, for he is soon to come
Yours in Christ,Apostle Perry Maples, Jr.
Yours in Christ,Apostle Perry Maples, Jr.