Monday, February 3, 2014

Faithful Regardless the Outcome, That’s the Real Issue

eDevotion
Encouragement for your daily walk with God

When I was a kid in Sunday School, one of my favorite stories from the Bible was the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. What extraordinary faith! These three men refused to worship just any old god; they would only worship the God of their forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. 

Because of their stalwart faith, the wrath of Nebuchadnezzar came to bear. In a violent rage, he threw them into the “fiery furnace.” We can’t possibly know the emotions they experienced on that occasion, but we do know of their resolve—their faith. It’s recorded for us in Scripture. Idolatry was a no brainer for them—they wouldn’t do it. And knowing the price of their decision, they would face their judgment with this in mind; God can deliver us, but He might not!

Isn’t that really the crux of the matter for Christ followers? We know what God can do but, we don’t know what He is going to do. He can deliver us, but He may not.  

With that in mind, here is what I have come to believe: Our obedience, our loyalty under pressure, is the most powerful testimony to the world of our love and faith in almighty God. And just like the Hebrew boys, our faithful Lord is with us in our “fiery trials,” either to deliver us or to take us home. 

In the case of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, it was deliverance. But what impresses me the most is, they didn't make their deliverance an issue with God. How about you, dear Christ follower? Will you serve Him no matter what?


If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up. Daniel 3:17-18; 23-25 

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