How, in the Hell?

Let’s examine those who have caused their own hell and yet still managed to retain worship and praise.  We’ve ALL been there.....in the belly of a figurative hell and as we look around as we look up and down we are ultimately compelled to look nowhere else but in the mirror.  We find ourselves in situations and conditions where we are our own authors. Remember Jonah.........but in the belly of the whale he capitulated and prayed, “...I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise, and I will fulfill all my vows. For my salvation comes from the LORD alone” (Jonah 2:9 NLT).  Jonah authored his own hell by being disobedient, but he also authored his own deliverance by praise.  God will get you out of that which you have put yourself into!

It is the degree of love for, and faith in, the Almighty God which empowers continual praise and worship from a saint of God catching and/or going through hell.  No equation, except for that which is comprised of the degree of your relationship (love and faith) with God.  David loved and had unspeakable faith in God.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego loved and had faith in God.  In one breath they say, “He will rescue us from your power...” and in another breath, “But even if he doesn’t....we will never serve your gods...”  This may appear to be a contradiction of their faith.  At one time they proclaim that He will rescue them and at another time they entertain the possibility that He might not rescue them.  Despite what He does, they still have faith and their love seals the deal to make it known that it is Him they serve - no matter what. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. continued to preach despite the continued threats to him and his family’s life and the bombings of his house.  He continued to proclaim love and racial equality in a time where racial tensions ran high.  And what is it that kept him praising and worshipping and doing the will of God?  His love for and faith in God.  Indubitably, we can say there has been a change to this nation as a result of his influence and others like him.