Ezekiel 47:13 - Daniel 8:27
Daniel 3 (Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the Fiery Furnace) and 6 (Daniel in the Lion's Den) are familiar stories that we are taught since childhood.
They have similar beginnings. In each situation, the men were asked to do something that required obedience to man, but disobedience to God. When they did not obey the king's rules, then those that were plotting against them turned them in for their devotion to God.
Because of their obedience to God's laws and decrees instead of man they both met the same fate. They were placed in their respective trials, the fiery furnace and the lion's den. Notice the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to their situation in Daniel 3:17-18
"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king! But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold that you have set up"
What confidence they displayed in God. I think that there are two things in their response that we can live by. First, the sovereign God of the universe has the power, authority, and ability to save you from any circumstance.
The second is sometimes God chooses not to save us from a trial. He didn't remove the trial from these three young men or Daniel. But just like them we need to have our hearts and minds made up before we enter the trial, that no matter what happens we will continue to serve the Lord.
In both situations, God's protection and presence were provided. Don't miss this wonderful assurance from God. God provided His presence by means of the fourth person(who was likened to the son of God) or the angel. He protected each one from harm in the midst of the trial. They were neither consumed by the fire, or devoured by the lion.
In both scenarios, God is given the glory.
King Nebuchadnezzar said "No other god can save this way"
King Darius stated “For he is the living God and he endures forever; his kingdom will not be destroyed, his dominion will never end. He rescues and he saves; he performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth. He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”
What a testimony!
My question for you is when was the last time you were in a fiery furnace or a lion's den.
If we are being obedient to God, we should find ourselves there more often. And it would benefit our faith, if we have our decisions already made. That regardless of what God chooses to do in the trials of life, that we would continue to serve Him faithfully.
So remember, when the fires are hot and the lions are mean, you are not alone. God is right there with you. And our God rescues, saves, protects, and provides His presence.
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