Redemption amid Ruin

Courage in a Compromising Culture

Daniel’s story has always amazed me. He was a teenager when Babylon tore him away from everything familiar. No more Jerusalem. No more temple. No more worship with his people. Instead, he found himself in a foreign land, surrounded by pressure to conform. The king’s table looked rich and tempting. The culture whispered, fit in, blend in, give in.

But Daniel made a quiet, courageous choice. Scripture tells us that he resolved in his heart not to defile himself. He chose obedience over approval. And God honoured that decision, giving him wisdom, favour with kings, and a legacy of faith that continues to inspire us centuries later.

Centuries later, Gladys Aylward lived with that same kind of resolve. Born in London into a working-class family in 1902, she longed to serve God in China. Rejected by missionary societies, which said she was not capable of learning Chinese, Gladys refused to give up. She saved her wages, bought a one-way ticket, and travelled alone across Siberia to reach the remote province of Yenan. There she taught children, helped women, and became a trusted peacemaker in her community. When war came, she led over a hundred orphans across dangerous mountain paths to safety, risking her life to protect them. The world saw an unqualified woman, but God saw her courage.

Her life reminds us that God does not look for the most impressive or accomplished. He looks for willing hearts. Just as He gave Daniel favour in Babylon and Gladys boldness in China, He can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things when they choose obedience.

Even outside public or historical heroism, we are called to stand in fires of a quieter kind. During my master’s studies, I was the only Christian in a class of thirty. Many classmates were deeply devoted to their own faiths, including Muslim, Hindu, and Atheist, and they were passionate about their convictions. God’s love flowed through me in simple acts: cooking extra meals for friends, honouring dietary restrictions, and listening without judgment. Though conversations about faith sometimes required stepping back, I learned to witness through respect, service, and kindness.

Our journey across India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and now Hong Kong has also placed us in various settings with differing levels of religious freedom. Churches flourished in some places, while in others, worship required careful discernment. Each relocation brought challenges that tested our faith and required us to summon the courage to remain faithful.

Walking with God often means standing apart from the crowd. It can feel lonely. It can feel costly. Yet Daniel’s quiet faith, Gladys Aylward’s boldness, and my own small steps remind us of a simple truth: obedience in a compromising culture is never wasted. God always honours those who honour Him.

Reflection Question:

Where is God asking you to take a quiet, courageous stand for Him today?

Prayer:

Lord, give me the courage of Daniel to remain faithful even when culture pressures me to conform. Teach me that obedience is never wasted, and that You are always with me. Amen.