“Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him… and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!” Daniel 3:28 NKJV
Earlier this month, a 73-year-old retired pediatrician named Anthony Kovatch, affectionately nicknamed “Slow Tony,” inspired thousands by finishing last in the Pittsburgh Marathon. Though he crossed the finish line at 7 hours and 41 minutes, his perseverance earned him a roaring ovation—and half a million likes on social media. “I was sprinting at the end, you would never believe that by looking at that picture, I’m hustling up that hill,” Kovatch said in an interview with Channel 11’s Cara Sa.
Tony’s story reminds us: it’s not about finishing first—it’s about finishing faithful.
That kind of faithful endurance mirrors the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. When commanded by King Nebuchadnezzar to bow to a golden image or face a fiery furnace, they chose faith over fear. They said:
“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18
They stood firm, not knowing if God would rescue them from the furnace, but certain they would not bow because He had secured their eternal salvation. That kind of no-matter-what faith caused even a pagan king to glorify God.
Today, we need that kind of courage.
Living for Jesus in a world that bows to idols of popularity, wealth, and self is going to put you in the fire. But just like the three men in Babylon, you’re not alone in the furnace. And when you come out, even your enemies will have to admit—God is real.
Be like “Slow Tony”—finish faithfully, even if it’s uphill or if it’s last place by the world’s standards. Because Heaven doesn’t cheer for speed. Heaven cheers for faithfulness that glorifies God.
Today’s Challenge: Stand firm today. Choose to obey God rather than follow the crowd—even if it costs you something. Refuse to bow to anything this world idolizes. Let your faith be the fire that inspires others to worship the one true God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that true victory lies in obedience, not applause. Strengthen my faith to stand firm when the pressure rises. May I live in such a way that others see Your power in me. Help me never to bow to the idols of this world, but to remain faithful to You, even through the fire. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Happy Running—finish faithful
