Thousands of years ago, three young men of great character stood at death’s door. The commandment from the King was to go against everything they knew was correct. They learned from the prophets that they were to worship the One true God, and Him only. Yet there was now a great pressure to go against that Commandment. To save their lives, all they needed to do was bow down before the idol. They could have simply acted like they were worshipping, then stood to their feet, and went home in peace. Yet these three young men showed their character and made the courageous decision to not compromise on one word, even if it meant death.

You have probably guessed that this is the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The same story is played out daily by the people who believe Brother Branham’s Message. The pressure that the Hebrew children faced at the fiery furnace is facing us today. Do we show our character by staying away from the idols of the world? Do we stay with every Word the prophet spoke? Do we open the door just a little for music? As ladies, do we justify “trimming” our hair? Do we put that little bit of mascara on our eyes? The three young men that faced the fiery furnace could have easily given in to the world. They could have conformed, but because they did not conform, many others can read their story today in the Book of Daniel. What will your story be?

We, as young people in a sinful world, need to look at ourselves and our character. While we may not face death in the fiery furnace, we do face the pressures of our peers. Can you stand up to your friends when you are pressured to do something that you know is wrong? Can they see the same character in you that Nebuchadnezzar saw in the Hebrew children? Or do you conform like everyone else? The character of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is alive and well today in our sisters when they go before the world in modest clothing. It is alive in our brothers as they refuse to drink or smoke. It is alive in us all as we stay away from worldly friends and worldly influences. We can all stand up for the Lord just like the Hebrew children did against Nebuchadnezzar!

Brother Branham said,

Now let's look into God's mirror, His Word, and identify our present character by some Bible character.

Will your story compare to the Hebrew children’s? You have the opportunity. Your character shows who you are.