There is a time for everything according to Ecclesiastes 3:1. Last week was a reminder of this passage. I experienced tears of joy and tears as a result of sorrow! At some point all of us will have to walk through the fire of suffering. How we walk through matters.
There’s a story in the Old Testament about three Hebrew boys who were taken away into Babylonian Captivity. Their faith is an example of how to respond in the midst of suffering. The next few days I will share some thoughts from these Daniel Chapter Three.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’
Daniel 3:16-18
“If it be so…”
These Hebrew boys faced a literal fire they were about to be put into. Their faith was tried. Not because of their sinful choices, but because of the kings. Sometimes we experience difficult days even when e do what is right. Some say life is not fair. They are correct! It often isn’t. It wasn’t for Joseph, King David, Jesus, or these Hebrew boys who refused to bow down to the kings image.Yet their faith prevailed.
Their response (If it be so) is interesting.
God had delivered them from previous obstacles in Daniel chapters one and two. Yet they said, “If it be so…” They realized God would respond accordingly. Do we?
Do we have this view and understanding about God? Do we respond in the same manner? Like these Hebrew boys, we need to know God always has the final say.
We know God is able!
What we don’t always know is how He will respond to our specific prayers.
Like these Hebrew boys, we must serve God no matter what blazing fire awaits us.
Let us walk by faith! Stay tuned for part two!
Blessings.
Benjamin Lee