Fire

Do you like campfires? To me, there’s nothing more relaxing than sitting around a campfire talking with a group of friends or family. But fire can be dangerous too.

In today’s Bible passage, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with a tough choice involving fire. They could (1) do what God said was wrong and worship a statue set up by King Nebuchadnezzar or (2) refuse to worship the statue and get thrown into a fire by King Nebuchadnezzar. They made the right choice, refusing to bow down to the statue and trusting God would be with them no matter what happened.

Everyone around them probably thought they were crazy for making that decision. There was no way the three men would survive. Especially since the furnace was so hot that it killed the king’s soldiers who threw Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego into the furnace.

But, when King Nebuchadnezzar looked into the furnace, he was amazed. In addition to the three men he had thrown in, he could see a fourth one who had the appearance of a heavenly being. God had sent a deliverer to protect Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Even in the furnace, God was with them.

As Christians, whenever we go through a trial, we can trust God, following Him wherever He leads us. No matter how scary our situation might seem, Jesus will be with us every step of the way (Matthew 28:20). • Melissa Yeagle

• It can be hard to know what God wants us to do in a scary situation. One thing we can know for sure? God will never tell us to go against the truths revealed in His Word (2 Timothy 3:14-17). When we need wisdom, what can we do (James 1:5)?

• Who are wise Christians in your life you can talk with if you need help (Proverbs 11:14; Galatians 6:1-2)?

• If you belong to Jesus, what can separate you from God and His love for you (Romans 8:39)?

If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up. Daniel 3:17-18 (CSB)

Read Verses:

Daniel 3