We don't really like that first part, "And if not". We wan't what we want, when we want it. That's human nature. When things don't go our way, we sometimes blame God... Forgetting that His ways are higher, His thoughts are wilder, even when they don't make any sense to us, He's always orchestrating something absolutely beautiful, even in the midst of our pain. Shadrach, Meshach, And Abendego went through the same thing. These three men of God did not bow down to the idol of King Nebuchadnezzar, so for punishment they were about to be thrown into a furnace.
Here is part of the chapter:
Daniel 3:16-28 "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego replied to him, 'King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the burning furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from your majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, your majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.' Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual. And commanded some of the strongest solders in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothing, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. The Kind's command was so urgent and the furnace was so hot that the flames of the fire killed the solders that threw the men into the furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, 'Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?' they replied, 'Certainly, your majesty.' He said, 'Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.' Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, 'Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego, Servants of the most High God, come out! Come here!' So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego walked out of the fire, and the satraps, perfects, and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair on their head singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, 'praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego, who has sent HIs angel and rescued His servants. They trusted in Him, and defied the King's commands and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God."'
Wow... What faith, verse 18 is what I want to get across. "The God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from your majesty's hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, majesty, that we will not worship your god." They were saying, "And if not, He is still good." He means more to us, than death. To die in His name, is the most admirable and courageous thing one can do. Yes, Life is difficult a lot of times, It throws curveballs we weren't expecting, but even in those dark moments, He shines through. When we proclaim that He is good, it undercuts the enemy, it lessens him, a peace overwhelms us, that Christ sends when we proclaim His goodness in the fire.
But my favorite part of the whole chapter might be this, "So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego walked out of the fire." WOW. It just puts a smile on my face, and almost makes me laugh! Such joy in that sentence. When you feel like the waves are seemingly continuing to knock you down, when you feel like you are stuck in the fire, stay strong. The God of grace and love is in the midst of sending an angel to rescue you. Stand firm, and bask in the goodness of Christ, even in the midst of the storm. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through the fire you shall not be burned, and the flames shall not consume you." Isaiah 43:2
So to the fires in your life, I hope and pray that they are extinguished. I pray that your family member would be healed, your relationships would be mended, the job you've been wanting would work out, that the bills would be payed, family members and friends would come to know Christ on the intimate level that you've been praying for.
But even if not, He is still good....
