“Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand O King. But if not, be it known to you, O King, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
– Daniel 3:16-18 (ESV)

Every leader at some point will come to a crossroads. There will come a time when he or she has to take a stand. The leader will have to make a decision, possibly at the risk of great personal loss. High school coaches work hard to train their players so they can compete and win championships. A recent post by the Sunday Morning Coach, listed seven major challenges facing high school coaches today. They include (1) attitude of athletes; (2) discipline; (3) parents; (4) alcohol; (5) drugs; (6) social media; and (7) officiating. Obviously, this is not a comprehensive list, but you get the idea. As leaders, coaches must be ready and willing to take a stand based on their personal convictions and the culture they are attempting to establish. They will need the courage and conviction not to “bow down!”

Shadrach, Meshack, and Abed-Nego faced such a challenge. King Nebuchadnezzar gave them one choice only—bow down or die. There was not going to be any bargaining, no compromise, or meeting in the middle. Nebuchadnezzar ordered them to bow down to his idol, or be burned to ashes. They chose the fiery furnace. What made these men different from the thousands who gave in and kneeled before the king’s  ninety-foot idol of gold? First, they believed nothing was too hard for their God. Second, they understood that their God loved them and would stand with them regardless of the outcome. Third, they believed that their God’s plan for them was the best plan, even if they didn’t understand it. And fourth, they believed that if God had been with them in the past, He would not abandon them in the present. What faith! All leaders will face times of great testing. The choice to “bow down” or “stand tall” will have to be made.

Heavenly Father, thank You for your faithfulness in the past. Help me to trust in You as I face the tests and trials of this world. Give me the courage to stand tall and not bow down to the idols and deceptions that I must confront. In Jesus name, Amen.