Daniel 3:16-18(KJV)
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.
In our anchored Scripture, the three Hebrew brothers chose to identify with God regardless of cost. When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were confronted with the choice of bowing down before the graven image of king Nebuchadnezzar or facing the danger of being thrown into the fiery furnace, they made up their minds that even if God did not deliver them, they would not bow before the image of the king. The options before them were limited. The time to think it through was non-existent; either they stood with God and embraced the fiery furnace or served their gods. However, they trusted God to deliver them and were determined to be faithful regardless of the consequences. Their commitment to God’s commands surpassed their desire for personal safety. Even if God chose not to intervene miraculously, they remained resolute in their loyalty to Him. Determined to worship the One True God, they faced the fiery furnace, which was heated seven times its average temperature, but God was able to deliver them. They entered the fire and came out whole. The unwavering faith, courage, and trust in God displayed by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace is genuinely inspiring. Their story reminds us to remain faithful even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.
Life is a product of choice; what or where we will be is a product of our decisions, and we can’t overcome some challenges unless we choose to stand with God. Refusing to look back and taking a stand for God brings Him into all our affairs. We can’t let difficult circumstances lead us to be unfaithful to God. In life, we often need just a little courage to do what we know is right. Whether standing firm in our convictions, rejecting what’s wrong, or seizing an opportunity despite the obstacles, we all face moments in life that challenge us to be courageous in the face of adversity. We are blessed when we face persecution and are wronged for standing with God. God will always honor our faithfulness as we take a stand for Him. When we stand for God, He will never abandon us nor allow the enemies to have us in derision. When we take a stand for God, He steps into every challenge of our lives to rescue us. He will make us have the last laugh! Jesus said in Matthew 16:25-26, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”
Beloved, be committed to God and refuse to serve the devil as an option to serving God in the face of the trials and challenges of life. Know that it isn’t about what others are doing, it isn’t about what’s going to make the path easier; it isn’t about what is politically correct or socially acceptable; it is all about God and His Plan for your life. When you have done all you can, stand and believe that God will take care of the rest. And even if He does not, you will do what is right. Ultimately, you will find God always does what is best for you. Let your problems be an opportunity for you to see God and experience what He can do! You can face any problem with clear-headedness, faith, and courage when you believe God’s goodness awaits you on the other side of whatever fire you’re facing. Let your commitment to God’s commands surpass your desire for personal safety. Even if God chose not to intervene miraculously, remain resolute in your loyalty to Him. Take a stand for God, and He who has the power to do all things is wise enough to do what is best for your life. He is more than able, for our God is able! Remember, have unwavering faith, courage, and trust in God always.
O Lord, help me to follow and serve You, standing on Your Word of Truth no matter what comes my way in Jesus’ Name.