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But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire. Daniel 3:25
D.L. MOODY
It does my heart good to think that the worst the devil can do is to burn off the bonds of God’s children. If Christ be with us, the worst afflictions can only loosen our earthly bonds and set us free to soar higher.
ERWIN LUTZER
Nebuchadnezzar promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to high positions in his land. But due to an ego problem, he set up an image of himself (Daniel 3:5). When these three men wouldn’t bow to the image, the king had them thrown bound into a burning, fiery furnace. How did these men have the courage to stand there and say, “Throw us into the fire, but whether we are delivered or not, we’ll not deny God”?
They were willing to trust God’s unknown providence. They did not have absolute assurance of being delivered; but they said to the king, “but if not…” In other words: We won’t bow before the image. God doesn’t deliver everyone; many Christians have died as martyrs for their faith. Daniel was delivered from the lions, but many Christians were thrown to lions. We cannot discern God’s hidden purposes, but we must continue to believe even when we do not understand.
We should not judge God by our immediate circumstances. We should go on believing Him even without a miracle of deliverance because we have come to know and trust the living and the true God. Sometimes He delivers us; sometimes He comforts us; we know God is with us.
He never abandons His children in the flames; He is there.
PRAYER
Father, let me remember the promise that you will never leave me nor forsake me (Hebrews 13:5). Through fire, famine, or plenty, you walk with me all the way home.REFLECTION QUESTIONS
How can this story help you pursue God while you are suffering persecution?What difficulties are you going through right now? How might God grow you through them?