God…are You working this out

When Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tested in their faith…I wonder if they asked this question “God, are You working this out?” They refused to bow their knees to an idol and the king was angry because they defied his command. He could’ve thrown them in without asking questions. Instead he gave them a chance to change their minds; yet, these Jewish men refused to back down.

At that point in time…did their faith waver when they saw the furnace being heated seven times hotter in strength? Did they have second thoughts as they were being bound and taken to be thrown in the fire? Was their hope firmly established in God’s ability to save them or did they resign themselves to certain death?

Whatever their personal thoughts, their intentions were clear: (1) we won’t bow down to an idol, (2) God is able to deliver us, and (3) if God chooses to not deliver us—we still won’t bow down. As a result, they were thrown into a fiery furnace that was so hot–those who threw them in the fire were killed in the process. And God delivered them…without even the scent of smoke.

What about us? Are we constantly wondering if God is going to work out our situations? We have the Holy Spirit of God within who gives us the power to withstand in the day of our testing. Our faith is strengthened by the example of these Jewish men who stood against the fire of their day to stand for God. The question isn’t “Is God working this out?” but rather the statement that “God is working this out for my good.” Whether God saves us or takes us home to be with Him—He’s working it out for our good all the time.

Prayer

Dear Lord, in my time of testing—I don’t want to fail in the faith. Strengthen me by the power of the Holy Spirit to stand up for truth against the lies of the enemy. In Jesus’ name, amen.

In His Service,

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