I grew up in a small South Texas town. We Texans sure do love to use colourful phrases instead of common words. For example, when we describe someone who is courageous, we might say, “He’s double-backboned.” Or we might use another of my favourites: “He’s as brave as the first man who ate an oyster.” Now that’s courage!
The older I get the more convinced I become that each generation needs folks who are willing to be the first to swallow an oyster . . . including this generation. We continually face the daunting temptation to compromise our convictions. To bow to the pressure of our peers. To cower in the face of intimidation and remain silent . . . when instead we should speak the truth courageously. The fact is, being a godly man or woman in our godless society requires courage. Raw-oyster courage.
Daniel was a brave and godly young man who was brought to the very centre of pagan Babylon and yet he continued to grow as a courageous and righteous man. As you join us for his story on our current broadcast, you’ll learn how to stand firm in your faith. You’ll grow encouraged to pray passionately. You’ll be inspired to speak the truth, regardless. Daniel’s life will also remind you—or perhaps teach you for the first time—the magnificent truth that God is completely sovereign.
Experience some of the most familiar events in the Bible from an entirely new perspective. I hope that you’ll agree with me that, through the sovereignty of God, a godly woman or man with raw-oyster courage can make a difference in this generation. I pray that person will be you . . . just as Daniel was God’s man for the moment so long ago. But that was then; this is now.
Copyright © 2014 by Charles R. Swindoll. All rights reserved worldwide.