Riot 2019Sample

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego 

Daniel 3 tells the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Three men that were so devoted to God that when everyone else in the city obeyed a law, ordering people to bow down to a golden statue - they wouldn’t. For the ‘crime’ of refusing to bow down, they were to be thrown into a furnace, ordered by Nebuchadnezzar to be seven times hotter than normal! Yet, while they were in the furnace, four men could be seen, not three; for ‘one who is like the Son of man’ was with them!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego exemplify what it looks like to take a stand for your faith. These men knew God, followed His commands and honoured Him. But it didn’t mean their life was going to be easy or perfect. 

You might have had an encounter with God, then when you get back to school or work people start to make fun of you for your faith, or even Christianity as a whole. You feel like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego must have when they were thrown into that fire. The great thing is that you’re not alone. Should your faith be mocked, disregarded or get you into trouble for standing up for what you believe in, God isn’t at a distance just hoping that you don’t get too hurt. God is right there with you! Day-to-day life as a Christian isn’t perfect or always easy. We are reminded in John 16:33 that there will be trouble in this world, but you’re not alone because God is right next to you. He’ll protect you from great harm, standing with you and loving you.