SCRIPTURE - Daniel 3:16-18
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.”
OBSERVATION
Here we are, back in the book of Daniel. Daniel's friends are given an ultimatum: worship the Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, or be thrown into a furnace to burn to their deaths as punishment. Their inspiring and courageous response testifies that God could save them from death, but even if He didn't, He was still the only one who deserved their worship and honor.
The king proceeds with his punishment, throwing the men into the fire. They don't burn up, and eventually, the king sees a fourth man standing among them. Some scholars believe that this was Jesus appearing before he came to the earth as a human.
APPLICATION
Think about this: These friends recognize that God is fully capable of giving them the breakthrough they need. But, should God choose not to do that, they still see Him as rightfully deserving of worship and honor. This is a faith in who God is, not what He does.
Would you still love God if He didn't give you the breakthrough you're believing for? If not, then your relationship with God may be operating on some terms and conditions you didn’t intend to put in place. To recognize that God is worth all our love and affection without Him doing anything else for us only magnifies how merciful, gracious, and loving He is when He meets our earthly needs.
PRAYER
Ask yourself today, "Do I love God more than what He does for me?" A heart whose feelings towards God aren't affected by what He does or does not choose to do is one that experiences some of the truest breakthroughs. There is a peace, love, joy, and gratitude that are not dependent on circumstances or God's performance.
"God, help me to believe that you are good and you are God, no matter what you do or don't do for me. Help me to love you like you love me: without condition. If you never did one more thing for me, Jesus' death that paves my way to eternity with you is more than enough. I love you. In Jesus' name, amen.”