Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 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.”
—Daniel 3:16-18
The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego gives us a fantastic look at how to respond to persecution and the different fires in our lives. In today’s passage, these three men were about to be burned in a literal fire. They express unwavering faith in God to deliver them, and it is true that He can deliver His people from trials. Notice, though, how the last sentence begins: “If he does not.” Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego make clear that they will trust and obey God even if they die in the blazing furnace.
Sometimes, God will deliver us from trials the way we want Him to. Other times, He will choose another path. Bible study leader and speaker Beth Moore explains it this way: when faced with trials, God will always deliver us in one of three ways.
• Out of the fire. God will spare us completely from the trial before us. An example would be getting a tumor diagnosis only to discover it’s benign.
• Through the fire. God will allow us to survive our trial but requires we go through it. Example: being delivered from a bad financial situation only after filing bankruptcy and losing your home.
• By the fire. God uses the fire, which can be any fatal experience, to bring
us home.
Of course the first option is always the one we want, but God may have incredible plans through the second option or may seek to end terrible suffering through the third. Seek His will for your trials, and trust Him no matter which option He chooses for you.
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