In the book of Daniel, 3 friends find themselves faced with death because of a decision they had made to not bow down to a statue of the King, since they only worshipped the One true God. The death sentence was made known to them, specifically that they would be thrown into a huge, hot, fiery furnace and this is how they responded:
“16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. Daniel 3:16-18 NIV
Here’s what we can learn from these men of God, which John Maxwell writes about in his leadership Bible, when we face situations in our own life that could lead to death. In this example from Scripture they were facing physical death. You may be facing a threat of the death of a relationship, dream, job, family member or even your own physical death. When you find yourself in the moment of crisis what do you say to yourself or others? Let’s look at what these men said:
“the God we serve is able to deliver us from it…” These godly men believed in the omnipotence of God, that nothing was too hard for Him.
“He will deliver us…” They believed in the love of God that acts on behalf of the beloved.
“But even if he does not…” They believed in the sovereignty of God, that He acts on the basis of His own pleasure and will.
“the God we serve”…(v. 17) They not only believed certain things, they acted on them, and had done so all of their lives
I’d like to add in verse 16 above that these men also knew the truth that “we do not need to defend ourselves.” Jesus is our advocate, He goes before us and God promises to fight our battles. He is the One who alone brings us the victory, the victory that He has promised is ours in Christ Jesus. Be encouraged today, speak life when circumstances arise that threaten you, your life, your God given plans or dreams. With God all things are possible.
Written by Jamie Shaver