“If it happens, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.”
–Daniel 3:17
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were in Babylonian exile and had come to a crossroad. They had only two choices: bow down to the king’s golden image or be killed.
The time had come to worship the image. Everyone around them had bowed down.
Boldly, they chose to stand for God and allow their faith to make them courageous.
They did not know what the outcome would be. They had disobeyed the king’s decree and as a result, the three of them expected to be punished by a painful death. But though the king of Babylon had condemned them to die, the King of the Universe preserved their lives!
Their bravery turned out to be a blessing.
When the king looked at the furnace, he noticed that the three men he had thrown into it were now four! The fourth man looked like the Son of God. Instead of dying, the three men were alive and it was clear that God was on their side (read the whole story in Daniel 3).
God is on your side, too.
When there seems to be no victory in sight, remember to look with eyes of faith and bravely take your stand. Jesus promised never to leave you or forsake you. He will empower you to be fearless and walk through the fires of life without getting burned.
Prayer
Dear Lord, Please erase my fear. Give me the courage to stand for You and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Reflection
When was the last time I experienced God-given courage? Where am I putting my faith today?