Even if he does not
by Verena Johnson
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But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up (Daniel 3:18).
In the face of a furious King Nebuchadnezzar and the threat of being thrown into a fiery furnace, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to back down and worship an idol.
If you read what they said, it seems that these three men had complete faith in God’s ability to save them. They knew the truth that God is all-powerful and totally able to rescue his people from anything. After all, what is a fiery furnace compared to the Lord Almighty? Even one that is seven times hotter than usual!
But then comes the twist in what they said. They also knew that there was no guarantee that God would rescue them. What is more, they told the king that even though they didn’t know whether or not God would actually save them, they were okay with that.
How could they have such faith, confidence and peace when faced with the possibility of being thrown in the furnace and God not doing anything about it?
Our faith can often waver when God appears to be doing nothing. How do you react when God doesn’t come through? Or doesn’t come through in the way that you want or expect? What happens to your peace and calm then? I know what happens to mine.
These three men kept their eyes fixed on God, not the furnace. God gave them their faith in him. God gave them their confidence to trust in him. God gave them his peace, which in this case, certainly surpasses all understanding. God was literally with them in the fire.
So how can you and I have this same faith, confidence and peace when we are faced with the fiery furnaces of life? With troubles and trials? With persecution?
The same God who was there with them is here with you. He is at work in you as well. Keep your eyes fixed on him and not on your troubles. He will give you the faith, confidence, peace and everything else that you need when you face hard things with him, regardless of the outcome.
Loving God, help me keep my eyes fixed on you when I am faced with the fiery furnaces of life. Thank you that you are always there with me in the midst of them. Please give me the faith, confidence and peace that I need as I walk through them with you. Amen.
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