Will you still worship Him? – 25 November 2021

The fiery furnace was hot. People who came too close to it died.

In his palace, King Nebuchadnezzar’s face turned white with anger as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow before his golden image. He gave them one more chance: Bow down and live. Refuse and die.

In Daniel 3:16 they answer: “King 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 deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 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.”

They took a stand for God. Still, I wonder what they felt like when they heard the king’s order that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Or when people died before them when they got too close to the furnace. Was there anxiety? Were they tense? Did they have second thoughts?

In our lives, we also find ourselves, at times, in situations that threaten to overwhelm us. We pray for the restoration of a marriage, healing of an illness, financial recovery, or a baby. And while we wait, we must fight anxiety, stress and even doubt.

My question: Will you continue to worship God with a heart filled with faith if He never answers your prayers?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experienced God’s protection in the fire. He was there with them. It led King Nebuchadnezzar to bow his knee before God.

In our “fiery furnaces” our faith gets tested. But we can know that God will never abandon us. Our faith, like with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, may even save lives around us. God bless.

Prayer: Father God, thank you that I can put my faith and trust in You. I bring (name the area) to You. Please take control and help me stand strong while I wait. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen