Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we don’t need to give you an answer to this question. If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can[f] rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 CSB
God can rescue us, but even if He does not . . .
This, friend, is the power of peace.
We don’t keep our hearts from being troubled because God promises that bad things will never happen. Jesus Himself acknowledges that is this world we will have trouble. (John 16:33). But His peace goes before us and is with us; He has overcome the world! So no matter what happens here on earth, today or tomorrow or next year, our future is sealed! Does the degree of peace in your life show that you believe it?
So what happens after Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s bold refusal to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s statue? In a nutshell, Nebuchadnezzar gets really, really mad. He commands the three men be tied up and the furnace be turned up seven times hotter than normal. It was so hot, in fact, that the soldiers who carry the prisoners to the edge of the furnace are themselves consumed by the flames and die! Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fall into the blazing fire.
And God meets them there.
When the king looks down into the furnace, he sees the three men walking around, unharmed, accompanied by a fourth person whom Nebuchadnezzar describes as “a son of the gods.” At this, the king commands Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to come out of the furnace. When they do, not a single hair on their heads is singed and not even a thread of their clothes smells like smoke.
And the king, who at first threatened to execute anyone who wouldn’t worship him, turns in worship to the only one who deserves it:
Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel and rescued his servants who trusted in him. They violated the king’s command and risked their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.
Daniel 3:28 CSB
Like a flame leaping in the air, those words sear my heart: his servants who trusted in him.
Whatever is happening in your life today, you can have peace knowing God is in control. Your life is not dictated by an economic recession or a wicked king. God’s goodness cannot be thwarted by a hurricane or hurt feelings. Your life isn’t at the mercy of a layoff or leukemia or a loved one who chooses to stop loving you. Only Jesus can be your never-changing peace.
That’s His promise to you.
A PRAYER FOR TODAY
God, thank You for promising to always be with me no matter what fire or storm I face. I trust You. Continue to teach me how to choose Your peace over my own fear. This week help me cling to Your promises instead of my own anxieties. You are powerful and good. I believe that — even when I still have to endure hard things. Thank You that I don’t bear them alone. Amen.
From Create in Me a Heart of Peace Bible Study by Becky Keife
Becky,
There’s a song by Mercy Me “Even If” it speaks to this post so well. Here are the lyrics:
They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I’m losing bad
I’ve stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it’ll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can’t
It’s easy to sing
When there’s nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I’m held to the flame
Like I am right now
I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul
I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You’re able
I know You can
I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
Blessings 🙂
Yes, I love that song! So good.
I have to tell you that it feels like we must have talked and you wrote this for me today. This is my life and this is Gods word for me to keep close and turn to……
Chris, I love how God does this! Blessings to you as you lean into His faithfulness and encouragement.
I have to tell you that it feels like we must have talked and you wrote this for me today. This is my life and this is Gods word for me to keep close and turn to……
Becky,
Thank you for the encouraging reminder! We are never alone and always under our Father’s protective love.
Sending you autumn joy,
Lisa
Amen!
Becky………….What a lovely reminder on this Sunday the day that I always look to for church and more prayer. I too stand in the flames and know that Jesus is my hope. Sometimes it is difficult to keep remembering that God is always with us, especially when these “storms” have gone on for just shy of 2 years now. My faith is unshakeable no matter what they do to me to try and hurt me and destroy me. I need to be patient, and that is where I seem to fail. I love the Lord, Jesus and my wonderful Holy Spirit who keeps me grounded. At 77, I sometimes fear that things will not get better before I leave the Earth, but your story and Beth’s song have inspired me to go on, one step at a time. Thank you Becky for sharing this devotion with us. I have to leave now to go to church, but I send my love and thoughts and prayers to you and the community (in)courage as I don’t think I could do it without you. I look forward to every morning when I get up to reading all of your stories……………………Betsy Basile
Betsy, yes, we stand in the flames but we don’t stand alone! No matter what comes, Jesus is right there with you. Praying for courage and endurance for you today.
Becky, these are much needed (and appreciated) reminders during this election season. No matter the outcome, God is with us. And He is in control.
I’m so grateful this was meaningful to you, Irene.
Thank you,Becky!! A perfect reminder today as we face an unknown future in a turbulent world!! Jesus has us in His hands!!
Well said, Karen! Truth to turn to every day.
Becky God does meet us where we are. God always does. We might not see it right away when God does. We might have to wait for God to answer us. God will in his own way that God knows is best for us and in his own time. As I know with my own experiences. God knows best. But when we realise God has answered us. We can say why did God answer us like that. I thought God would have answered us differently. Then through time we see God way was best. I have seen that after a we while when God has answered me. But not right away. It is then I have realised my way and expecting God to answer me that way was not the right way. I then seen God new best for me what way to answer me and help me. I had to say see Dawn God knows what best for you. More than you know yourself. I always in these situations remember when I got a problem and I doubt God will not answer me the way I like or want. 1 Peter 5:7 days it all ” casting all your care upon Him being Jesus for He cares for you” So he does. That verse says it all. I do that in prayer. And song comes to mind also. “Burden’s are lifted at Calvary Jesus id very near” How true that is as well. As Jesus does lift our Burden’s. Thank you Becky for this reading today. It speaks volumes to me. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little Enniskillen Co.Fermanagh N.Ireland xx in my prayers all incourage.
Thank you for sharing, dear Dawn.
Thank you Becky for your kind reply. I love you all in Christ in incourage. Reading all speak to me. Love Dawn xx
Loved:
“Our life is not dictated by an economic recession or a wicked king. God’s goodness cannot be thwarted by a hurricane or hurt feelings. Your life isn’t at the mercy of a layoff or leukemia or a loved one who chooses to stop loving you. Only Jesus can be your never-changing peace.”
AMEN!!!
Thankful for this encouragement and reminder. He is near and He is in control.
Truly GRATEFUL for you, Becky Keife, THANKFUL for your encouraging words, thanks for blessing us in your writings! I have a dear friend I have known since high school who now lives in the state of Washington. She is waiting for a liver transplant and has been in and out of the hospital quite often. It’s been a rollar-coaster of a ride for her family, especially for her grown children as they watch their mom’s health decline and even know if she will be put back on the list waiting for transplant. I have been sending scriptures and just sent out a package to brighten up her day while she is in the hospital. The next card I send out, I will use your prayer to write in it. THANK YOU! P.S. “Encourage each other every day while you have the opportunity…” Hebrews 3:13.
Tears, It saddens me to say, my dear christian friend passed away on November 7. Please keep her husband & four grown children along with their young families in your prayers during these most difficult days in their lives. Thank you for all the prayers!! Trusting Him!