How can we daily choose to put God first above everything else?

Might we look to the faith of individuals in our lives, those documented from history and the Biblical texts to gain encouragement and wisdom from their convictions in the Spirit.

The faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (from the Book of Daniel) amazes me. Even with the threat of death to the fiery furnace, they stood firm in their belief to not worship any other idol or entity that is not the God of the universe. I often question if I were in the same situation as them, would I cave to the world or stand firm in the unwavering truth of who God is? Then I hear the Lord remind me, “Kel, you may not have the threat of a furnace in front of you, but you face idols everyday.”

Success, relationships, self-righteous behavior, vanity, pleasure. He says, “But choose Me, daily and you will overcome by My strength.” It might not be the easy path, but we can trust in the fact that the Lord is able to strengthen us to overcome any and every temptation and hardship that comes. The magnitude might look different than the situation of these three men, but choosing to walk in faith and standing firm in Jesus is a daily decision. We are never above who He is or too sanctified to not need Him.

How often do we worship false idols? For me, it’s more often than I’d care to admit. As an enneagram three, so much of my being thrives off how much I am valued and seen successful to others. It’s silly, but if it were not for Jesus, so quickly this could become a vicious and ugly sight. The Lord constantly reminds me that my value comes from Him and Him alone.

Success and value might not be the same potential stumbling block for you. Maybe it’s gaining more knowledge, talent, or possessions. Though these things are not inherently bad, but without God, we lose sight of our task and calling. Our eyes are to be fixed and gazed upon Him. Regardless of what our idols are, why do we worship something less than God? Why do we want to do so? He is the very One who created the things we worship.

Sometimes it seems easier. Sometimes it seems more appealing - more satisfying and gratifying. But continue to trust in the fact that He is able. And even if He does not seem to answer that prayer, desire or request, recognize He is still good. He is still good because He is God. Trust that He has heard your prayers. He knows your heart and will continue to listen. He is consistent and He is able.

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18

Their confidence blows me away! It encourages me to find my source of strength and might from the power of the Holy Spirit living and dwelling within. Be bold in your words. Find strength in your stride. Trust that He is able. He will do what He said He will do. Jesus knows your intention and heart. He is the God of both truth and grace. He is patient with us when we fumble, but also there to remind us the truth, which will set us free.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were given a strength that is unlike any other. They were nervous to some extent I am sure, but the Lord knew their hearts and He was with them. If they were to find peril from the fire, they were willing to do so in the name of the Lord because He is Lord over all. Might we better understand the work of our God. And may we continue to keep our eyes open to the power that He possesses. He is able. He will do what He said He will do. There are no limits on God.

We can still proclaim in the midst of our struggle and uncertainty that we trust in the One who is in charge. We look to Him as our Guide and Refuge.

How will you stand firm in your convictions and beliefs today? How will you find grace with yourself and with others when slip ups occur? Connect with someone today to share what God is doing in and through your life!

Speak life, squash idols. Listen and love well.

Meet Kelsey

Whether it be through choreography, writing or teaching I am a creative and storyteller at heart. Two of my absolute favorite places in the world are being backstage before a performance or teaching opportunity or being seated on the living room floor of a small group meeting. Both of those places are near and dear to my heart because they are moments that are on the brink of something greater than ourselves. Before a set of choreography is demonstrated, a teaching is given or a discussion is had, it is the time where the culmination of all the prep, study and practice is now shared with the world. It is where our moments of worship continue from the private setting to the public, allowing us to invite others in and have the gospel shared.

After graduating in 2013 from Pepperdine University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Religion, I continued on to choreograph and teach dance throughout Los Angeles. Along the way, I began to work in Youth Ministry, later deciding to make the move to Seattle to work in bridal. Now the Lord has led me to Nashville, TN and I am excited for what He has in store! In all that I do, I am passionate about people knowing their value and love comes from the Perfect Love of God. I believe wholeheartedly nothing beats time with Jesus. Live music, long drives, and a dirty chai certainly tie for a close second.