DIVINE DELIVERANCE
Then Nebuchadnezzar said, "Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent His angel to rescue His servants who trusted in Him. They defied the king's command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."
Daniel 3:28 (NLT)
Imagine being in a situation where standing up for what you believe could cost you everything—even your life. That's exactly what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced when King Nebuchadnezzar ordered everyone to bow down to a golden statue. Defying the king's command, they stood firm in their faith, willing to face the fiery furnace rather than worship a false god.
Their story reminds me of a modern-day account of a young girl named Rachel. In 1999, during a tragic school shooting, she was asked if she believed in God. Knowing that her affirmation could mean her death, she said, Yes. Her bravery and faith were a powerful testimony to many who heard her story.
In both cases, we see the courage to stand for God no matter the consequences. For Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, their unwavering faith resulted in a miraculous deliverance. God sent His angel to protect them, and they emerged from the furnace without a single burn. This act of divine intercession not only saved their lives but also led King Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge the power and sovereignty of God.
God may not always deliver us in the way we expect, but He is always present, interceding on our behalf. Whether He protects us from danger, gives us strength to endure hardship, or uses our faithfulness to inspire others, His deliverance is always at work.
APPLICATION: Consider an area in your life where you need God's deliverance—whether it's from fear, a difficult situation, or a challenging relationship. Ask God to intervene and show you His power and presence. Take a step of faith, trusting that He will meet you where you are, just as He did for Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Remember, God honors those who stand for Him, even in the face of adversity.
PRAYER: God, grant me a faith that endures even in the face of adversity. Help me to hold fast to You in every circumstance, especially persecution. I trust and love You. In Jesus' name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?