I don’t believe our generation needs more money, more jobs, or anything material for that matter. What we really need are Christians with fierce faith. We need people who will rise up and proclaim the goodness of God and all that He has done, regardless of how unpopular it is to do so. In fact, this is why I love the story of Daniel; he had a faith that many scholars and theologians consider fierce. When he was taken out of captivity to serve King Nebuacadnezzar, he was instructed — along with the rest of the nation — to bow down and worship a golden idol. And because this decree was important to the king, he vowed to punish anyone who disobeyed it by throwing them into a fiery furnace. Nevertheless, Daniel and his friends — Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego — were devoted to honoring the God of Jacob, so they made a decision to risk the consequences and refused to bow. However, when they were cast into the fire as had been promised, the Lord delivered them, and what looked like sheer disaster from their perspective gave the Almighty an opportunity to display His glory. Spurred on by his deliverance, Daniel’s fierce faith was fueled again, and when an edict was passed forbidding people to pray, he pressed in harder and began beseeching the Lord morning, noon, and night. You see, regardless of what his earthly king said, this prophet honored the King of Kings and courageously took a stand whenever he was asked to compromise his convictions.

Friend, don’t be afraid to express your belief in the True King, Jesus Christ! While it’s challenging when society moves away from God, it’s worse when the church is silent, timid, and apathetic. More than ever, it’s important to stand firm, fearless and fierce in the hope of the Gospel, and make your Savior the focus of everything you undertake. In the same way Daniel refused to conform — even in the face of great opposition — endeavor to hold fast to your convictions, no matter how unpopular they are. Though your position may cause you to look weak or weird to the world, refuse to bow to that which you don’t believe in. Rather, stay the course and press on in the knowledge that millions still need to meet Jesus — the object of your fierce faith, and the only One who can truly transform their lives!