I haven't met too many Christians who say they don't want to trust God. They do want to. And they often do. Many of them might appreciate knowing how everything turns out first. Preferably in writing. And many more probably want an ending where they're healthy and don't have to keep praying over their bank account.
That's part of what makes this familiar story in Daniel so meaningful.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are brought before the king who has made worship a form of national loyalty. Bow before his golden image or burn in his furnace. No matter the king's threat, the three God-fearing men believe God can deliver them.
What's meaningful to me is that their faithfulness doesn't depend on whether God will deliver them. “Even if,” they say, God does not rescue them, they will not worship the king’s idol.
Let's reflect on that today. These three men have no promise that their obedience will spare their lives. But they choose it anyway.
Now, put yourself in that story and ask, What does that kind of faithfulness look like in your life?
Can you tell the truth if it costs you someone's approval? Will you practice generosity when keeping everything feels smarter? Will you follow Jesus when following him doesn’t improve your circumstances?
The idols we're tempted to bow before today aren't usually the golden statues of biblical stories. Approval. Control. Security. Those are things we can begin to trust more than God.
We remember this story in Daniel probably because it ends with deliverance. But don't forget that their faithful decision comes before they know the ending.
And so does yours.
Pray to God for help and hope for it with everything you have. At the same time, hold on to your “even if” faith. A faith that believes God can move mountains, but even if God doesn't, you will still follow.
Stay blessed...john
Comments