But Even If He Does Not
(Da. 3:16~18)
It is not easy to keep our faith strong in the world where the sins are everywhere. However, we should not be depressed. Depending on God who gives us a new hope and power, we can overcome every test and temptations thereby gaining victorious life.
1. A suffering coming to believers
Daniel and his three friends were always being tested their faith as they had to live in the heretic culture where people worshiped the idols. King Nebuchadnezzar set up a golden image and commanded that all his officials bow down before it. Daniel didn’t go to the ceremony and his three friends, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were there but didn’t bow down before it. They were accused of not serving the golden idol by the Babylonians. The king was angry and asked them to serve the idol. Otherwise, commanded that they be thrown into the fiery furnace. (Dan. 3:15)
2. Three people who held their faith firmly during suffering
They were not frightened by the threat of the King. They believed that God would save them, and they decided not to bow down before the idol even if God doesn’t save them. (Da 3:18) Likewise, we should have strong faith against adversities. It seems that everything goes bad. We feel like the darkness sweeps over the world. With holding the words of God, we should go through it to gain the victory. Put your trust in the Lord. Absolute positiveness and faith of giving thanks to God will bring about miracles. God who makes turning points will save us out of difficulties.
3. The Lord who helps us during suffering
The king asked his servants to throw the three into the furnace which was heated seven times hotter than normal. Even the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Then something strange happened. When the king looked, he saw four figures walking unharmed in the flames. There was another, the fourth -like a son of God- was there to protect them. The King and his servants saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed. Only the string tying up them was burnt. Even in the furnace of the troubles, we are protected and only the strings of frustration, false accusation and wounds will disappear. Let us become the pure gold by going through the hard times. (Jb.23:10)