Our God Is Able

Our God Is Able

Reading: Daniel 3-4; Psalm 81; Revelation 17 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”… 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. 27 Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke! (Daniel 3:16-18, 26-27 NLT)

I love this story! I love everything about this story. It’s got conflict and tension, good guys and bad guys, and even fire and smoke! The only thing missing is a car chase, an explosion, or a gun fight! I see four things in this story of courageous faith and simple trust that I want others to see in me:
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a “We do not need to defend ourselves before you” approach to the conflict.
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had an “Our God is able to save us” faith.
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had an “Even if he doesn’t…” commitment to God.
• Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had a “Didn’t even smell of smoke” attitude after the furnace experience. I can see elements of each of these parts of their story in my own less-dramatic trials and difficulties, and I realize they are a challenging and encouraging example to me. As I face my own challenges, I’m aware of my weaknesses, and I’m strengthened by their simple and total trust in God. Prayer: Father, Thanks for the example of these heroes’ “Our God is able” faith. Please grace me with their other qualities as well. I don’t want to go around “smelling of smoke” and complaining to others about how tough things are. Please help me keep my spirit sweet, my faith strong, and my trust in you simple and complete. Amen.