Summer Vibes OnlySample

BOLDNESS IN COMMUNITY

Have you ever been scared to do something until a friend volunteered to go with you? Making a bold move is scary, but the presence of a close friend can fill you with confidence.

Imagine how much courage it took to refuse to bow to Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue. To refuse to bow was to sentence yourself to death. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were making a bold move by following God’s command instead of the king’s. 

Did they second guess their decision? Did they check in on each other as they wondered, Will today be the day when we finally get caught?

Our closest friends have a big impact on who we are and what we do. It’s important that we surround ourselves with people who encourage us to do the right thing, even if doing the right thing requires us to take a risk. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s courage landed them in a furnace, but it also brought them face-to-face with Jesus (Daniel 3:25). Not only did they get to see God more clearly, their faith and courage caused Nebuchadnezzar to praise God!

Your bold move might not have life or death stakes. Your bold move might be not gossipping at the lunch table or skipping the party you know will get out of hand. But the impact could be just as big. What if by making a bold move, you and your friends could change the culture and influencers at your school? 

Respond

• Who are your friends who will help you make bold moves? Who do you know will stand by your side no matter what?
• When was the last time you encouraged a friend to make a bold move? Are you someone who supports others and stands by them no matter what?