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CONTEXT: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declare God’s goodness even if He doesn’t save them.

It’s easy to trust that God is good when we see Him show up in mighty ways in our lives. But what about when He doesn’t answer your prayers the way you’d hope? Are you still able to trust in God’s goodness even then?

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego saw God’s faithfulness when He made a way for them to be set apart by not eating the king’s food and again when He saved their lives by revealing the king’s dream to Daniel. They knew He was able to do miraculous things. However, when they stood before the king to defy his command, they spoke with confidence in God’s ability to save them AND in His sovereignty if He chose not to.

One of the most powerful yet humbling lines in the Bible comes from these three friends when they tell the king, “But even if He (God) doesn’t (save us), we will not serve your gods or worship the image you have set up.” What a bold and courageous response! King Nebuchadnezzar was furious. He ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie them up and throw them into the blazing furnace.

God could have intervened at any point, preventing the trio from being thrown into the furnace - before they were bound, as they walked with the guards to the furnace, just before being thrown inside. But God chose not to. Why? Because God had a greater plan to illustrate His power and might.

Maybe you’re in a fire right now. Your faith is being challenged, and you need God to show up. Yet, as much as you pray, it feels like He’s not listening. Things continue to get worse, and you’re starting to lose hope. Jesus told us we would have troubles because we live in a sinful, broken world. Being a Christian doesn’t mean we’re exempt from pain and suffering. However, God also promised we would never go through trials alone. And He is still good regardless of the outcome.

CONSIDER THIS:

1. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego believed God was good even if He allowed them to die in the fire. Can you trust in God’s goodness even when He doesn’t answer your prayers as you hoped?

2. Think about a time in your life when you thought God should have intervened, and He didn’t. How did that impact your relationship with Him?

3. Write an honest prayer to God expressing your feelings towards Him about the situation you reflected on from question #2. Invite Him to heal any anger, brokenness, or resentment you may have that is causing you to keep Him at a distance.