Daniel 3:16-18 / Regardless.
Daniel 3:16-18 / Regardless.
In Daniel 3 there is a story about three young Jewish men who faced death in a fiery furnace for refusing to bow down and worship the statue of a vain king.
When given a last chance to give in or die, they answered the king:
…“O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this be so, 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. 18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
What makes the faith of these three men so powerful is the fact that it was not dependent on the outcome of their situation.
They firmly believed God could save them, “our God whom we serve IS able to deliver us.”
“But IF NOT…” they would still be faithful to Him.
Regardless of whether God saved them or not, they were all in.
They knew He could save them, but also knew that He might not choose to.
As we strive to grow deeper in faith, let’s strive for faith that stays true regardless of any situation we find ourselves in.
Whether in a time of abundance or great need. A time of peace or persecution.
Let’s choose a faith that says to God, “I completely trust You.”
If what You choose to do in this situation is hard, or scary, or pushes me to my limit,
I. WILL. FOLLOW. YOU.
Thick or thin. Come hell or high water.
Let’s choose a faith that believes God CAN do anything but accepts His choices regardless of our own preferences.
In our story the three men were saved. God spared them and in doing so received glory from the very king who had thrown them in the furnace.
But even if He hadn’t, their faith in Him would’ve stayed just as strong to the end.
Lord, give us faith to stand boldly for truth regardless of the risk. Give us a faith that is willing to trust You regardless of how You answer our prayers. Give us faith that moves mountains and leaves those watching in awe of YOU! We trust you, Lord. Help us walk in that confident trust.
With much love,
Pastor Dave
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