Word prompt of the week, is IF. Find many stories at Five Minute Friday on Kate Motaung’s blog. http://fiveminutefriday.com/2018/06/28/fmf-link-up-if/
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When I first saw the word prompt this week, this story plunked itself into my brain and would not go away. The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the book of Daniel amazes me.
These three men were summoned before King Nebuchadnezzar and told they must worship his god made out of gold. They refused.
They said, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace. It had been made so hot, the flames killed the soldiers who threw them in. Then the King saw four men walking around in the fire and thought it was an angel of the most high God. Ultimately, King Nebuchadnezzar believed in the one and only God, who could create such miracles.
This story makes me wonder. In times of fiery trial in my life, would I say the same thing as Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego? Or would I just go along and worship the gods of this world? I pray that I would follow my God. But in reality, wouldn’t it be so terrifying to be threatened with a fiery furnace? Would I be able to trust God to save me? Do I trust and follow Him in the trials of daily life?
The words these three men used as they spoke to the King before they were thrown in the fire, are such a challenging testament of their faith.
The God we serve is able to deliver.
He will deliver us.
Even IF he doesn’t, we will not serve your gods.
Those are bold statements. Our God is a God of miracles and these men were brave to state these things and trust Him. They surrendered to His will for their lives.
Tablet of your Heart 
Myrna, Thanks for the post. I,too, wonder if I would be strong enough to say that “if”. I think of the many martyrs who said the same thing and suffered and died. God doesn’t promise us to always rescue us only to be with us through the flames.
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Thanks for your comment on my If-Then blog. I’m with you on wondering if I have what it takes to get thrown into the fire. On the other hand, there are the things that we have been through that we wonder how we ever did it. Enjoyed it. Keep up the good work
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Good word to hear today and encouragement to stand during times of testing. Like the others who have mentioned the Mercy Me song, that song really ministered to my heart when my husband was going through cancer treatments. A different kind of testing, but these words you have written can be apply to many different situations in our life when “even if…” applies.
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Enjoyed reading your blog you do such a great job of writing. Keep it up.
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Classic story and a real challenge to those of us who follow Christ!! DJ
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It is inspiring! I hope that if I ever face such a trial — or let’s face it, a much smaller one that threatens me in a way I *feel* my life is on the line — that I remember he is God of the trial and the triumph and his plans always prevail. Tough though, for sure! Thankfully, he’s the author and finisher rather than me!
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I’m with you, Myrna. I would like to believe I’d have the faith of Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego, but I’ve never been tested like that before. One think I know is that God gives grace when we need it, and not a moment too soon. 🙂
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So, so good! I love the song by MercyMe. It played on repeat for a while in my car. Thanks for this reminder of such a wonderful truth!
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I love this thought-provoking look at the faith and boldness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. What a challenge to us as we face difficulties–will I trust God even if He doesn’t fix my problems or eliminate danger? Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
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I love Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s example of putting their faith in God’s character rather than in a particular outcome! I don’t know why the thought of them never entered my head with the FMF prompt- it’s great that our thoughts all go in different directions! I have MercyMe’s song “even If” going round in my head now. Visiting from #6.
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Exactly! I really love that song, but didn’t include reference to it during the story because it didn’t seem to fit appropriately, but yes, it’s been in my head again all day too! I am also amazed at the diversity of “takes” on the word If. I thought my idea was going to be used already……Thanks for commenting Lesley!
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Beautiful!
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Hi Jan! So nice that you visited my blog and commented.
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