I've been reading through the Bible and when I come across familiar Bible "stories" that we learned as kids in Sunday School, I ask God to give me a new perspective ... or show me something I have never noticed before.
Today I was reading in Daniel where King Nebuchadnezzar threatens to throw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the blazing furnace. Verse 17 and 18 really spoke to me today. These three men were willing to worship God no matter what. Even in facing death they would not back down and worship the idols of the king. That kind of faith in itself is pretty incredible, but if you read closely it goes even deeper. It's the faith in God's choices, His decisions as to what He decides is the outcome of our lives, of our cirmcumstances, of our situations.
This is what they tell the king," If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But EVEN IF HE DOES NOT, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up".
God has the ability to do more than we can imagine. He can move every mountain in my life, every valley I'm facing, grant me success, bless me beyond measure. God can defeat the giants, calm the storm, protect my skin in the blazing furnance. He can save me from my enemies, crush Satan's schemes against me, and part the waters for me to cross on dry land.
But... Even if He does not...
Even if He does not, will I doubt that He cares, wonder if he hears me when I cry out to Him, question His love .. His goodness ... His compassion on me - His daughter. Even if He does not, will I seek comfort in things that will bring me temporary relief and happiness but in the end leave me empty and wanting something more.
Or like these men, will I stand before those around me and say, I will worship God. I will love Him and serve Him and pray that the love and life He gives me pours out to those around me until they see His goodness and joy and peace in my life that comes from God alone. Even if He does not ... I will not turn away from God.
