July 24, 2024

Daniel 3.17, 18 (NIV)

“If we are thrown into the . . . furnace, the God we serve is able to save us . . . But even if he does not, . . . we will not serve your gods .”

I want to shine like gold, but I don’t like the fire.*

This passage has been one of my favorites for many years, ever since I heard a sermon based on it. One line that the preacher kept repeating spoke powerfully to me: “I am expecting God to do great things. But what if he doesn’t?” Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were sure that God could save them from the fire. They also knew that he might choose not to; even so, they would not bow to false gods.

God used these verses to speak to me at a time when every day seemed a little worse than the one before. He helped me to determine in my heart that I would not bow down and worship the god of defeat. I knew that God was able to deliver me from my personal fiery furnace but I also learned that he could be glorified in my defeat if I was strong in my faith.

My God is able to deliver me, but even if he doesn’t, I will still praise him. 

Those that pray in faith may rejoice in hope.*