Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” (Daniel 3: 16-18 ESV)
Just so you understand what the boys said here.
Our God is able – BUT IF NOT – we’re still not going to worship your idol. Our relationship with God is not based on what He does, BUT who He is. We worship a Who He Is God. What He does is born out of who He is. That’s all of the benefits we have in our life.
I see shirts everywhere online that say Faith over Fear. I wanna buy one. It should be the motto of every Christian. In the COVID Era, we need to live like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. No fear, just faith. Of course, we should be concerned about our health and the health of those we love, taking the prudent and necessary precautions to prevent illness. But one thing is for sure – If we know Jesus – we know where we’re headed when we die.
It took a ton of faith over fear to enter the fiery furnace and believe that God would protect His young servants. They weren’t 100% sure – BUT – that was irrelevant. They knew WHO He was and is. So do we, if we’re walking in that faith.
Folks, don’t give in to despair. It’s the devil’s trick. If he can sew the seed of helplessness in each of us he wins, paralyzed over the uncertainty of the future.
I have a better idea. Step into who He says you are, believing in Who He says He is. Your Savior, your protector, your friend, and your guide.
God’s got this. It may feel like a fiery furnace, but Jesus is in there with you cooling the flames. Take a deep breath and rest in that knowledge.
And that’s the memo.
Steve
