Trusting In God

Tonight's Scripture Reading: Daniel 3:13-27

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Three men defying king Nebuchadnezzar. Thrown into a fiery furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego provide believers today with strong and lasting lessons. Tonight we look at the story and the lessons we can learn.

Defying King Nebuchadnezzar:

For their refusal to obey the king’s decree, three charges were brought against them.

1.) They paid no heed to the king and his commands
2.) They did not serve the king’s gods
3.) They refused to worship the golden statue the king himself

The penalty for their actions was death. Their response to the king was unbelievable …

Daniel 3:15-18 "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up"

Their Faith In God:

Faith in God, extraordinary faith. Their response confirmed three things:

1.) Their unwavering conviction of God
2.) Their confidence in God
3.) Their faith was strong

Their acknowledgment of God over the world’s most powerful king resulted in God’s supreme power being revealed to unbelievers. Their faith demonstrates that God is able to deliver us from our own problems and trials.

As believers, we know that God is able to deliver us. However, He does not always do so. Romans 5 tells us that God may allow trials and difficulties in our lives to build our character, strengthen our faith, or for other reasons unknown to us. We may not always understand the purpose of our trials, but God simply asks that we trust Him—even when it is not easy. Job at his worst was able to say:

Job 13:15 “Though He may slay me, yet will I hope in Him.” Now that's FAITH in God, a man who trusted God.

God does not guarantee that we will never suffer or experience death. He does promise to be with us always. We should learn that in times of trial and persecution, our attitude should reflect that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Daniel 3:18 “But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up"

These are some of the most courageous words ever spoken. Would you have been able to say them?

Matthew 10:28 “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell”

Even if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had to suffer a horrible, painful death in a burning oven, they refused to abandon God and worship an idol. Many believers through out time who suffered martyrdom have uttered those words Jesus spoke.

Nebuchadnezzar See’s Jesus:

Nebuchadnezzar was amazed that the fire did not destroy them. He was even more amazed that he saw a fourth person with them. Daniel 3:25 (NKJV) "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God"

When we “walk by faith” (2 Corinthians 5:7). There will be times of fiery persecution. We can be sure that “He is with us” (Matthew 28:20) He will “sustain us” (Psalm 55:22) He will ultimately deliver us. He will save us, eternally.

Matthew 25:46 “Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."

What Should We Learn From These Three Men?:

We will never be able to bring the world to Christ if we act like the world. Reveal to the unsaved a higher power, a greater purpose, and a superior morality. If we are put before the fiery furnace, reveal the One who can deliver us from it. Remember the words of Paul:

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal”

When experiencing sickness, persecution, or pain, be comforted in knowing this life is not the end. There is life after death. This is His promise to all those who love and obey Him. Knowing that we will have eternal life with God should enable us live above the pain and suffering we endure. John 14:23 “Jesus replied, "If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” Do you trust God? Can you face trials and tribulations with God? How strong is your faith? Strong enough to endure the fiery furnace? I pray that you will consider how much you really trust in God this week. Till next week I pray that you will be Blessed and grow in your relationship with God.