The Fiery Furnace

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Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego displayed faith and courage. They told King Nebuchadnezzar, "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king." (Daniel 3:17) They believed that God had the power to deliver them from the fiery furnace.

They went on to say, "But even if He does not,. . . " (Daniel 3:18) This does not mean they were wavering in that strong faith and courage. They knew that God had the power to save them, but they also knew that God might chose not to. "Sometimes God puts us in a fiery furnace to test our faith, to purify us, to make us more like Jesus (James 1:2-4)". (D4Y p. 64)

"God is able to deliver us from hard times, from sickness, and from death, but sometimes God chooses to let us go through these things to fulfill His purpose for our lives and to make us more like Jesus. . . Sometimes God delivers us from the fire, sometimes He brings us through the fire, and then sometimes He delivers us into heaven. God is God, and He chooses the outcome." (D4Y p. 64)

These three faithful and courageous teenagers trusted God, even if it meant they would end up in the fire; even if it meant they would die. In spite of this, they told King Nebuchadnezzar, "Let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." (Daniel 3:18) These young men "counted the cost of belonging to God. They chose to serve Him no matter the cost." (D4Y p. 65)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were letting the king know what they believed; what their convictions were. As followers of Christ, we too need to make up our minds what our beliefs are. "When we ask Jesus into our lives to be our Savior, He gets all of us. We totally belong to Him and not to ourselves anymore. We tell God, 'You can do with me as You please.'" (D4Y p. 65)

What do you believe? What are your standards? "Ask yourself, 'Am I willing to live my life to please Jesus, not other people?'. . . Be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Count the cost and decide that your life belongs to Jesus!" (D4Y pp. 65-66)

D4Y= You're a Brave Man, Daniel! by Kay Arthur and Janna Arndt

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