Courage during the “Even-If-He-Doesn’t” Moments
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it. But even if he does not, we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” (Daniel 3:16-18)
Courage. Who comes to mind when you hear that word? Maybe the soldier who volunteers for another tour in the Middle East. Or the middle-schooler who says “no” to drugs. The politician who boldly announces that the emperor has no clothes on.
Daniel’s friends Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego offer a striking example of courage. They knew the king’s command and the Lord’s command. They knew that the consequences of obeying God would be the consequences of disobeying the king. Yet the three stood before Nebuchadnezzar, confident in their God.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not want to perish in the furnace, and they knew God could deliver them from the fire. But they also understood that God is God. So with “even if he doesn’t” faith, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego told Nebuchadnezzar they would not worship the gods of Babylon, or its king.
God will give you the courage you need in your “Even if He Doesn’t” Moments.
(Excerpted from “The Story Devotional”, copyright Zondervan Publishing)
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