Most of you reading this will know the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; three men who were thrown alive into a furnace for refusing to worship a golden statue erected by King Nebuchadnezzar. When they were told the fiery furnace awaited them, they replied, “…the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if not, we want to make it clear…we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up” (Daniel 3:17-18 NLT). I find this statement absolutely astounding. To say such a thing when their lives were at stake.
As the story continues we learn that the three men were tied up and thrown into the fire, but suddenly there is great commotion because, not only three men were seen in the furnace, but four, and they were all walking around untied! What happened! We know the answer: Jesus came into that furnace with them and untied their ropes. How amazing is that! A true miracle for these three young men who stood up courageously, ready to give their lives for the one and only God Almighty.
Today there are many of God’s followers who have given their lives for the sake of their faith in Jesus. The Bible tells us there are special rewards in Heaven for those who have been martyred. Perhaps you have suffered some anguish for your faith: laughed at or shunned in some manner. Standing up for Jesus is not always easy, but it always leads to joy overflowing.
What particularly struck me in the above story wasn’t the young men’s declaration that they knew God could rescue them; but rather, their declaration of praise to God even if He didn’t. Most of you reading believe that nothing is impossible with God (Luke 1:37). You stand on that truth as you pray, asking God to get you out of some dire predicament. Perhaps you plead in earnest for healing for yourself or someone you love very much. Maybe you get down on your knees begging for God to show you a way out of some deep problem. Maybe that prayer is answered in the manner you desired, but maybe the situation turns out exactly the opposite of what you pleaded. Here comes the crunch point, a moment of turning in your faith, a fraction of a second, that will either make your faith and joy stronger or shatter it to pieces.
Can we say to God in our most painful of life’s moments, “God I believe in you, I love you, I ask you to do what I hope — but even if not — I will trust in Your goodness, love, and sovereignty, to know what is best in my journey with You. Such moments are times when we come to a fork in the road. We can choose to follow the one labeled “Severe Disappointment,” or we can follow the one labeled, “Trusting Anyway.” One road will lead us into a pit of despair and feeling of hopelessness. The other road will lead us upwards into quiet peace sensing rest for our weary spirits.
I pray as I end this blog post — may we each one say with faith and love — even if not, for it is the way of joy and strength and peace, in the mightiest of storms “He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10 NKJV).