" But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it …
” But Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
– Daniel 3: 16-18 (NKJV)
In previous devotionals, we explored how our faith can be tested through delays, damages, and deadlines. Over the next few days, we will learn how to develop a faith that does not waver in the face of difficult situations. The first step is to change the way we perceive our problems. The enemy wants us to become so overwhelmed by our challenges that they take the place of God in our lives. Like the three Hebrew men in Daniel 3:16-18, we must refuse to bow to anything other than God.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood before King Nebuchadnezzar, facing the fiery furnace. The king had commanded them to worship his golden image or be thrown into the fire. In verse 15, he gave them another chance to worship the idol, challenging them to show him the God who could deliver them from his hand. What was the real issue? Nebuchadnezzar was trying to make God the focus, but the truth was that he wanted them to bow down to a graven image.
God’s timing is never a mistake.
Often, the enemy makes it seem like God is the problem, but that is a lie! For example, you may need a job, but doors keep closing. You may desire a child, yet medical reports seem discouraging. You might long to get married, but time is passing. These are the real issues—not God! Over time, these challenges can become idols, demanding your attention and keeping you awake at night, filling your thoughts, controlling your emotions, and affecting your joy. You may be unconsciously giving that issue the worship that belongs to God alone.
So, how do you develop a faith that sees these issues as idols you refuse to bow down to? Like the three Hebrew men, you must stand firm and worship only God. The moment you allow a problem to consume your focus, it takes the place of worship in your life. Your worship belongs to God alone!
Decide today to deny worship to any issue or problem you have been fixating on. Always remember: the issue is the issue, and God is God. Learn to tackle the issue, not God.
Song of Worship
You are God from beginning to the end
There’s no place for argument
You are God all by Yourself
Prayer –Father, I refuse to bow to anything but You in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible in 1 Year: 2 Kings 13-14; John 2
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