Even If You Do Not Deliver Us
Daniel 3:16-20
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 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.” 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with fury, and the expression of his face was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He ordered the furnace heated seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.
In all of our lives, we face certain trials, hardships, or stressful situations, and maybe you ask yourself “What have I done to deserve such a thing?” You may be wondering why it seems the Lord has not intervened to save you from the difficulties you face.
But perhaps, it is these situations we face that the Lord uses to turn our “child-like” faith into a mature confidence. An allegiance that is not based on the current state of our lives, but one that is steadfast through every storm we encounter.
As Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood ready to be executed by the Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar, it was their faith and unwavering loyalty to the Lord that burned brighter than the searing flames they were about to be thrown into, they realized that the God they served was still in control. Their faith was not conditional, but fully loyal regardless of their current circumstance. These three men despite their desperate situation, decided that the Lord would be the only one they would serve. That even if they were not to be saved from the clutches of death, their faith would remain firm. It is with that utmost confidence and dependency in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that we should strive for every day we live.
