A Determined Faith

Determination makes up for a lot of weaknesses and shortcomings in the arena of sports. Some of the athletes with the best winning records were not the best athletes. Some were considered to small, to slow, and to weak. Often these individuals were looked over and ignored in favor of some other more promising athlete. Yet, these overlooked individuals have ended up setting records and holding multiple titles. How did this happen? Of course there are no simple answers to this question, but I think in all cases one of the main reasons was their determination. They were determined to succeed and to prove others wrong. They were determined to fulfill a dream. Determination can overcome a lot of physical shortcomings.

In the matter of our Christian faith determination is also a major ingredient. Often upon salvation friends and family will look at us with disdain, maybe even laughter. They don’t think anything really happened to us. They think we are having some kind of mental issue or at best that we are trying to rehabilitate ourselves. It is at this point of laughter and ridicule that we must be determined to live out our faith.

We have a great example of determined faith in the book of Daniel, "Daniel determined that he would not defile himself with the king’s food or with the wine he drank. So he asked permission from the chief official not to defile himself." Daniel 1:8 HCSB Daniel had been picked to be a servant in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar. This afforded him food and wine from the King’s table. Daniel knew that he would be defiled for partaking in such. Therefore, he DETERMINED that he would not partake. This was a brave move. He was in essence disobeying the king’s command. This could have cost him his freedom at the least and his life at the most. Daniel was not willing to compromise his faith though. He stood strong and true.

In the current culture in America, Christians must become Daniels. We must also be determined not to partake of what the world has to offer. It is not always easy. We often see our family and friends enjoying the fruits of this present world. We are tempted. We wonder what difference would it make. At these times, may we remember Daniel and may we take a stand. Even as Daniel, may we have a Determined Faith.