Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Unsung Hero (12/07/06)
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TITLE: Renew A Steadfast Spirit Within Me | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sue Schaefer
12/13/06 -
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In Baptism, according to 1 Peter 3:21, we appeal to God for a clean conscience. In David's prayer, not only did he plead for a clean conscience, but also he asked God to renew a steadfast spirit within him. Without the unwavering faith and endurance of a steadfast spirit, the Christian is at risk to compromise his faith under pressure. What is the result of such a lack of faith? Death.
The character of such a person is that they consistently choose to do the right thing for the right reasons, even (or rather, especially!) when no one else is looking! This is not a superficial quality, but rather, a heart condition. One cannot feign steadfastness!
There are many great people of faith who well exhibit this quality of strength, such as Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego when they refused to bow before the golden image at the King's command and were thrown into the fiery furnace for their stand. Moses forsook physical prosperity in Egypt as the son of Pharaoh’s sister in order to deliver God's people from the bondage of slavery. But what about the two Hebrew midwives who considered that it was more important to obey God rather than a physical king, and who, by their steadfastness and faith, preserved God's people in preparation for the deliverance to come?
“Then the king of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, one of whom was named Shiphrah and the other was named Puah; and he said, "When you are helping the Hebrew women to give birth and see them upon the birthstool, if it is a son, then you shall put him to death; but if it is a daughter, then she shall live." But the midwives feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live. So the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and let the boys live?" The midwives said to Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife can get to them." So God was good to the midwives, and the people multiplied, and became very mighty. Because the midwives feared God, He established households for them.”-Exodus 1:15-21
It was written that the midwives feared God. They knew full well that disobedience to Pharaoh could very well cost their lives, but they obeyed. Not only did God provide for their lives, which were spared, he established households for them.
So far, this is a great example of personal growth and provision made as a result of obedience to and faith in our all-mighty God, but what is truly significant about these midwives is that through their steadfastness, the Hebrew people were blessed. According to verse 20, the people became very mighty! How significant are the actions of a few over the many?
Steadfastness in faith is a result of being tested, often through God's refining fires. Those who become refined as silver, so that the Great Refiner sees Himself clearly reflected in them, are able to stand because He makes them able. He gives the strength.
God seeks people who are eager to have fellowship with Him. He wants those who will be willing to be made strong in order to withstand the temptations and struggles of this world so that we can be overwhelming conquerors in Christ. Are we willing to be unsung heroes for Christ's sake? Have we made a decision to follow Him, and allow His will to be done and not our own, even as Jesus Himself did that night in the garden?
Remember the words of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in response to Nebuchadnezzar's taunt:
"...Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire...but even if he does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image you have set up."-Daniel 3:17-18
As Christians, sometimes we need only stand, and see the deliverance of God.
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