Daniel: A Strong Man Is FaithfulSample

Faithful in the Furnace

Later in the book of Daniel, we read that Nebuchadnezzar was angry with Daniel’s friends because they refused to worship his gods and they refused to worship him.

It’s safe to say that Nebuchadnezzar had become a full-blown narcissist by this point, twenty years since the Israelites had been exiled to Babylon. He had convinced himself that he was a god and he was worthy of worship. He believed that no one could save these men from his godlike vengeance.

But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made two declarations to the king: that God had more power than he did and that worshipping God was more beneficial than worshipping him.

It’s important to note that these men were not putting God to the test, jumping into a furnace and demanding that God save them. They were being faithful regardless of the outcome. In life or death, they were content to go down as men who had been faithful to God.

While we might aspire to live like this in our time, we cannot be like these men if we are not taking the daily steps they had taken over the previous twenty years. For two decades of captivity, these three men—along with their friend Daniel—took steps of obedience in faith that prepared them to face this ultimate test.

One day, God may test us like this. Until then, we need to live every day trusting God. Our actions must show that we trust him more than we trust our money, investments, and retirement plan. That we trust him more than we do any president, politician, or Supreme Court ruling. That we trust him more than a specific outcome in our marriage, family, or career.

Today, you probably won’t have to take a stand like these men did. But you can take a small step of faith, believing that God has more power and benefit than anything else you can imagine. As you do that today, know that God might be preparing you for more significant moments just around the bend.

ASK THIS: In what situation in your life, large or small, do you need to stand up for God?

DO THIS: What actions do you need to take to prepare to take that stand?

PRAY THIS: God, make me a man of great faith, a man who is willing to stand up for you no matter what. Amen.

This plan is presented to you by Daniel: A Strong Man is Faithful by Vince Miller.To learn more about this book, please click here.