Daniel 3:16-18
16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” <a class="
Daniel 3:16-18 · NLT · read the whole chapter ↗
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Context
King Nebuchadnezzar built a huge gold statue and ordered everyone to bow to it. anyone who refused would be thrown into a blazing furnace.
three young Jewish men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, refused. the king gave them one more chance.
their answer is calm and clear. God can rescue them, and even if he does not, they still will not bow.
What it means
real faith holds steady when the pressure is on. these friends trusted God enough to stand firm before they knew how the story would end.
did you know? in the next verses a fourth figure appears in the fire with them, and they walk out unharmed.
Think about it
what pressure do you feel to bow to right now?
Try this
think of one situation this week where you might need to say no. decide ahead of time what you will do.
pray: God, give me courage to stand firm, even when I do not know how it will turn out.
talk about it: where do you feel the most pressure to go along with the crowd?