Finding the Light in FearSample

DAY 4

FURNACE

Welcome back to our week’s study on fear. This week we have been studying Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men were officials to King Nebuchadnezzar but refused to worship his golden image.

In the last few days, we learned about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s unyielding faith when they refused to worship as the king commanded. Their response to the king was by knowing that God was ABLE to FREE them even if they had to face being thrown into a fire alive.

Yesterday, we learned faith even in the “what if” scenario. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego used an unseen and unknown faith that helped them approach fear face-to-face. They knew God was able and held that assurance as they denied the king’s worship of his golden image.

Today, we will continue reading our Scripture. Here is Daniel 3:19-20:

19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

Today’s Scripture describes peace over Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. You may not have noticed this peace God gave them, but it’s there.

Scripture describes a fire that would be seven times hotter, and the king picked the strongest of his soldiers to bind up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Remember, the definition of fear is a negative emotion caused by a belief that someone or something is dangerous. Today, we see the threat coming to action. Not only was the danger real, as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew, but they were to be bound by the strongest soldiers and would face a fire seven times hotter. The threat was even more dangerous, which means the fear could have brought even more panic, anxiety, and worry.

The peace you may have missed in today’s Scripture is the absence of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego fighting for their life. There was no mention of the men being hostile or attempting freedom from the king’s punishment.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego approached death alive with peace because they did not let fear overcome them. They knew the danger ahead, yet they held an assurance of faith that God was ABLE to FREE them, and that was enough. They didn’t know how, but they could still face fear with peace.

I have been praying this week that you would be able to acknowledge the power God holds over evil. I continue to pray that you have the assurance of faith that God is able and you can face fear with peace.

I’ll see you back here tomorrow as we learn about the conditions that surround us while facing fear with peace.

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