Made for This MomentSample

MADE FOR THIS MOMENT: SHADRACH, MESHACH, & ABEDNEGO

Faith Despite Trials

WARM-UP

“If the God we serve exists, then He can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He can rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if He does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”... Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and rescued His servants! They trusted in Him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. (Daniel 3:17-18, 28)

ON THE PITCH

I visited Chicago a few years ago and got turned around while driving a rental car downtown. While fiddling with the map on my phone, I accidentally made my way onto a 4-lane one-way boulevard going in the wrong direction. I looked up to see headlights coming at me in every lane and no alley or side street to duck into. This anxiety-provoking driving experience often reminds me of how it feels to walk with God in our culture today. It often feels like I’m the only one trying to drive in the opposite direction. And it’s the correct direction! But it seems like nobody else thinks so.

Every day, in public and private, you have countless opportunities to join the masses in worshiping other “gods.” Often, you may be the only one willing to pursue what’s good, true, and right. This is exactly how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego felt in Daniel 3 when King Nebuchadnezzar demanded they bow to a golden idol he had forged. They were top government leaders but were swimming against the current. And the current was strong - everyone else in the whole country was doing it.

The consequences came when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood their ground and sought to honor God. But so did God. He showed Himself in the fire with them. The pre-incarnate Jesus was present with them and protected them from harm. And their act of faith was so moving, and their God was so clearly powerful that a king who was far from the Lord recognized God's greatness and gave them a promotion!

What about you? When the whole country and the whole world is watching, will you stand in faith for the glory of the one true king, Christ the Messiah? Are you willing to walk through the fire knowing that Jesus will be there with you?

One other reflection: Driving against traffic is much easier if you’re in a motorcade with others. Your connection with other followers of Jesus is incredibly important. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are never mentioned in the scriptures on their own; they’re always listed together. Though we are each called to have a personal relationship with God, he never intended for us to be solo Christians fighting the good fight alone. Stay close to your brothers and sisters of faith. There’s strength in numbers.

EXTRA TIME

Listen: “Another in the Fire” by Hillsong UNITED

Judges 6:1-23,1 Corinthians 12:12-27

PRAYER

Father, grant me the conviction and courage to follow You above all else. Forgive me for the ways I’ve bowed to lesser “gods” rather than standing for You. Help me experience the grace of Jesus standing with me and strengthen my faith as I fight for Your honor and glory in faith. Amen