Can you handle the heat? Daniel 3

Last night was the third part of our study "Trust and obey, there is no other way!" This time we took a look at a story found in the book of Daniel featuring King Nebuchadnezzar and three Hebrew men: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. These three men were visitors and foreigners who were forced to move to Babylon and live under the King's reign. However, these three were devout believers and followers of Jesus and proved their faithfulness in the big and small things they faced.

In the story, the King demanded the entire Nation to bow to him. He caught word that the three men S, M and A refuse to submit under his authority. The King confronted the men and gave them a 'second chance' by instructing them once again to bow to his 90 foot statue. The men responded: (v.16) "¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. ¹⁷ If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. ¹⁸ But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”

What an awesome response! Their confidence in God was off the charts! We can learn from their example. As a result, the King raised the temperature of the furnace 7x and threw them in. In the midst of the fire, Jesus met them and the King witnessed four men walking, unharmed in the flames. (3 + Jesus) Wow! An incredible example of obedience and faithfulness rewarded with a victorious life and rescue from death and harm. 

This demonstrates to us that in the midst of the fire, or a trial in our life we can trust God in our circumstances. The true genuineness of our faith will arise (1 Peter 1:6-7) "⁶ In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, ⁷ that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ..."

Your life will be challenging, but praise God you have Christ - Pastor D.

We are reminded here that in any circumstance we face, and any trial we are faced with, God will deliver us or be with us through it. We recognize that God uses small things to teach us obedience in preparation for larger things. Our diligence in the small things will help us make the right decision when faced with something more pressing or life altering. 

Here are a few points to take away from the study. If you remain close with Jesus and allow Him to work in your life during a trial:

1. You will be free (John 8:30)

2. You will walk (Psalm 23:4)

3. You will not be harmed (Psalm 84:11)

Jesus becomes real in the midst of our problems and pain. This is why He allows us to go through trials in our lives. We often can feel His protection and love to the greatest degree when we are in danger, trouble or at the end of ourselves. Don't avoid or ignore the hard things of your life - go through them with Jesus!