Today we pick up where Friday’s DEVO left off. How do we go from wondering if God can do something to knowing God can do whatever it takes? How do we stop being fearful and start being confident like those three men who were threatened with being thrown into the furnace unless they worshipped a false god?
Daniel 3:17 says, “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 hand.”
However, Daniel 3:18 is an even bolder statement: “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."
It’s one thing to have faith when you know it’s going to work out the way you want it to. It’s another thing entirely when you have no guarantees but you believe regardless.
Daniel 3:19-22 “Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace.”
The furnace was so hot that even the soldiers who threw them in were burned up. Life is kind of like this sometimes. We are minding our own business when out of the blue our faith is challenged. We are so sure of our faith, and sure that we are pleasing God, but we get thrown into the fire anyway.
Nevertheless, to answer the question – how do we become confident in our faith? – we read the next couple of verses 24-25: “Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, ‘Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?’ They replied, ‘Certainly, Your Majesty.’ He said, ‘Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like the Son of God.’”
This is such a beautiful and reassuring passage from scripture. Three were thrown in, but four were walking around. Jesus was with them, and Jesus is with us. We can become confident in our faith because no matter where we go, Jesus will go too. There are no chains He can’t break. There is no fire that is too hot. This brings tears to my eyes!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, Thank You that You are literally always with us. Thank you for the assurance that even in the midst of trials we walk around unbound and unharmed. Since nothing is holding us back, we raise our hands and praise You! In Your name, AMEN~
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