Trusting God

These were the words spoken by Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to king Nebuchadnezzar concerning his intention to throw them into the fiery furnace for not worshiping his statue. This was really the second alternative. They had first told him that if he did throw them into the fiery furnace, God, whom they serve, would be able to deliver them and from out of the king’s hand. But if it wasn’t God’s will, they wanted the king to know that they were not going to serve his gods or worship the golden image.

These were not idle statements. These were three young men, friends of Daniel, who were addressing the most powerful human being on the face of the earth. Their very lives were at stake and the means of their death would be frightening to anyone. When they stated this, they had no idea which option God would use, to save them, or to take them home to be with him in glory. I am sure they and Daniel had prayed about this leading up to the confrontation. They had placed their trust in God many times before, so this was not new to them.

Prayer Life

This made me start to think about my faith as evidenced by my prayer life. Am I always presenting my list of requests to God for him to meet my demands or requests, and being disappointed if I don’t receive positive answers in line with my prayers. Or am I willing to be like these three men, trusting God with his will for my life and others that I am praying for? Not being disillusioned if I don’t receive the answer right away, or ever, that I desire. Three brave young men are still teaching us how to trust God several thousand years later.