Courage in the Face of Fire

As we close our study of Daniel, we’ll focus on his three friends—though all four rank in my Courage Hall of Fame. General MacArthur said this about courage to West Point cadets: 

“Duty, Honor, Country…They are your rallying points: to build courage when courage seems to fail; to regain faith when there seems to be little cause for faith; to create hope when hope becomes forlorn.”

On this we agree: The things we believe in become a rallying point for courage in the face of danger. When crisis and chaos threaten your life, home, family, where do you draw strength for the battle? Write down what beliefs, convictions, non-negotiables help you stand firm.

Who is Yahweh?

Let’s focus on Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s rallying points:

1. What truths in Deuteronomy 7:6-10 would they have learned as boys in Jerusalem that proved God was undeniably for them.

2. Read Daniel 3:17, and fill in the blank: 

“…the God we serve ______ __________ to deliver us from it.” 

3. Read Daniel 3:17 with v. 18, and fill in the blanks:

“…the God we serve is able to deliver us ____________ _______, and he will deliver us from _____________ ________________’s _______________. But _____________ ________ he does not…we will not serve your gods...”

By saying, “Even if he does not,” did they think God couldn’t save? I believe they trusted in God’s character when they didn’t know God’s plan. Read Exodus 15:2 and Psalm 37:40. 

Daniel to the Cross

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s rallying points are even more powerful when seen from the foot of the cross:

1. God is for us – Read Romans 8:15-16, 31-39 to discover why and how He is for us.

2. God is able – Read any miracles in the Gospels with Acts 2:23-24, Colossians 2:13-15 to remind ourselves that He is able.

3. God has delivered and delivers – Though Jesus defeated sin and death on the cross, we soldier on until He returns to take us home. Read John 14:3, Romans 8:18-25, Revelation 21:1-5 to remember the deliverance that’s coming.

Finally, read Ephesians 3:14-21 and consider how its insights help us carry out the commands in Ephesians 6:10-20? Take these verses and turn them into a prayer for yourself or someone else.

Breaking Babylon’s Chains:

What truths about God hold you steady when crisis or chaos shakes your foundation?