UNCOMMEN: DoubtSample

No Doubt

Daniel 3: 23-25

23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and rose up in haste. He declared to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”

Well, we’ve spent the previous four days looking into examples of doubt, but today we are going to pursue overcoming it. Everyone thinks their brand of suffering is the worst and no-one knows what you’re going through, only to find out many people have and will go through just what you’re going through right now. When I read the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego or (Rack, Shack, and Benny if you’re down with VeggieTales), I wonder if the three had any doubt in their situation. 

In today’s landscape, the world is full of “brave” people who comment behind the computer screen about all sorts of topics. But these three men were about to die for their faith, and that must come with a shred of doubt right? As we see in Daniel 3:16-18, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego aren't painted in light of doubt, but rather one of confidence. 

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If this is 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.[d] 18 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.”

I love the terminology here of “our God whom we serve is able to deliver us,” as it’s something I think we often forget. I’m always thankful for the Bible, and its examples that I can draw comfort from. We all go through the same types of doubts; I pray we can also benefit from going through the same kinds of successes. 

Lesson: 

There will always be situations for us to stand up for our faith. 

Uncommen Challenge: 

I pray none of us are ever in the furnace as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were, but if we ever are, I pray that we remember that there is another one among us, and Praise God…He looks like the Son of Man.