Trusting God in Opposition - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Bible in a Year: Ezekiel 35-36, 2 Peter 1

But even if he does not . . . we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
Daniel 3:18

Today's Scripture & Insight: Daniel 3:

Raised in a tribe in the Philippines opposed to belief in Christ, Esther received salvation through Jesus after an aunt prayed for her during Esther's battle with a life-threatening illness. Today, Esther leads Bible studies in her local community in spite of threats of violence and even death. She serves joyfully, saying, "I can't stop telling people about Jesus because I've experienced the power, love, goodness, and faithfulness of God in my life."

Serving God in the face of opposition is a reality for many today just as it was for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, three young Israelites living in captivity in Babylon. In the book of Daniel, we learn that they refused to pray to a large golden image of King Nebuchadnezzar even when threatened with death. The men testified that God was capable of protecting them, but they chose to serve Him "even if" He didn't rescue them (Daniel 3:18). When they were thrown into the fire, God actually joined them in their suffering (v. 25). To everyone's amazement, they survived without even "a hair of their heads singed" (v. 27).

If we face suffering or persecution for an act of faith, ancient and modern examples remind us that God's Spirit is present with us to strengthen and sustain us when we choose to obey Him, "even if" things turn out differently than we hope.

By: Lisa M. Samra

Reflect & Pray
What are some ways you've chosen to follow God "even if"? What are ways He's been with you?

God, thank You for loving me so generously. Help me to follow You with joy even in the face of opposition.