Isaiah 43: 2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.’

DAILY READING Matthew 6:1-18; Exodus 33:1-34:35; Proverbs 15

John Gibson served as a Scottish missionary to the New Hebrides in the 18th century.
On this island, the natives liked the white men who came as traders to their shores but hated the Missionaries!
They hated the preaching of the Gospel that was making the new converts to reject their evil traditional practices.
A time came when their Public Assembly resolved that John Gibson and his missionary team should be killed.
But before carrying out their plot they decided to first make him an offer. Their leaders had a meeting with Gibson and told him that if he would give up visiting the villages and praying and talking with them about Jesus, then they would let him stay and trade with them.
However, he told them that the hope of being able to teach and preach the Gospel was what kept him living amongst them, because he loved them, and wanted them to know and serve the only true God.
For refusing to compromise and agree with their terms, the natives continued their hateful designs against John Gibson’s life.
Within a few days, a large number of the natives gathered at his house. One of the men furiously rushed at John Gibson with an axe. But a native Chief, who liked the missionary, snatched a spade and defended Gibson from instant death.
Despite many other plots and attempts to destroy his life, none succeeded, as God always showed up to deliver him from death. John Gibson lived for 21 years among these natives preaching the Gospel until the entire island eventually received Christ as savior and gave up their evil ways.

As believers, we must never settle for less than God’s best for us. In a court case, before people go into litigation, they are often given an opportunity to settle. A lot of people settle not because they’re innocent or guilty but they settle because it costs so much to litigate the case.
We must never compromise our convictions no matter the cost. If the decision results in being penalized or alienated, we must always remember God’s promise that says “Them that honour me I will honour” (1Samuel 2:30).
Certainly, it is better to please God than to please men. It is better to be alone and walk with God than to compromise your standards so as to be accepted by men.

Today we live in a world that ridicules the preaching of the Gospel. They celebrate sin and make holiness appear obsolete and awkward. When you attempt to live a godly life, people will push every button and probe every possibility, in an attempt to bring you down to their level.
As sons of God living in the midst of such a crooked and perverse generation, we must wear our godly identity boldly and determine that nothing will ever cause us to lower our standards.
No matter the pressure, keep living for Christ, stay spiritually hot and keep your fire burning bright. Resolve never to compromise or settle for less than God’s best for you.
Sometimes we may get thrown into the fire for standing up for our faith. At those times, God promises in Isaiah 43:2 “When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned. The flames will not harm you’
If we are persecuted for the sake of Christ, even in the fire, God will be there to carry out a rescue operation.
Though you may go through the fire, you will come forth as gold. [Job 23:10]
No matter the heat of the trial, God will cause you to emerge victorious and you will come out stronger and better.
As you abide faithful and continue to serve God fervently, surely, God will turn around what the enemy meant for evil, and cause it all to work together for your good.

PRAYER: Lord, please enable me to always walk in obedience to Your Word, no matter what comes my way. By Your grace nothing will ever cause me to compromise my faith or settle for less than Your best for my life in Jesus Name.

QUOTE
To get into the next level of your life, God will always give a specific instruction. – WORDBITE 222.