For many years I've wanted to delve deep into the prophetic book of Daniel, as I yearn for Daniels' resolute faith & courage, and unwavering trust in God. I've become more conscious of the Babylonian mentality in our world today...greediness, over indulgence, our obsession with aging, beauty, position, and wealth. Through its reading, God has given me an awareness of my own Babylonian mindset which creeps in subtly in daily life!
This last week, I've been impacted by the stanch loyalty of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to God in intense times of trial. Most of us have experienced times of testing in our life, and our Godly loyalty - our ability to stand firm in faith, deeply tested our character and convictions.
When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace, they had already predetermined their loyalty to Jesus.Their resolve was firm; their integrity apparent no matter what the circumstance. Everything they were on the inside was obvious from the outside.
"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 (Nebuchadnezzar). 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."
They knew there would be one of three outcomes:
God would deliver them from the fire, and their faith would be built.
God would deliver them through the fire, and their faith would be refined (proved genuine-1Peter 1:7)
Or...
God would deliver them by the fire into His arms, and their faith would be perfected!
God would deliver them by the fire into His arms, and their faith would be perfected!
They knew that any of the above three was a win/win situation!
...the God we serve is able to save us from it (the fiery furnace), 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.
...the God we serve is able to save us from it (the fiery furnace), 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.
I know that as we draw closer to the end times, my faith will be tested like never before, and it is my deepest desire that like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the last mention of my name would bring God fame! Please Lord, may it be so!
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