Courage under fire. We often encounter situations that require us to stand up for our beliefs, even at the risk of loss. We speak up about an injustice. We blow the whistle on unethical behaviors at work. We refuse to endorse societal values that clash with the truth of God’s Word. We perform these acts of bravery, knowing they can result in loss of our jobs, our relationships, and even our social standing. The pressure to back down can be tempting.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego understood this pressure and refused to let even the threat of death sway them. God had their complete trust; they placed their fate in His hand. When faced with the fiery furnace that was meant to be their death sentence, they declared, “But even if [God] does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up” (Daniel 3:18). What a bold proclamation from these three young men in the presence of such a powerful king! They chose faith in God over fear of a human king. No matter how intense Nebuchadnezzar made the fire, the young Jewish men refused to abandon their trust in the Lord.
Their story gives us a powerful picture of what unwavering faith in God looks like in our own lives. We trust that He is with us, no matter what flames we face. We trust in Him when we are sick, encounter financial hardship, and even lose our loved ones. He promises to be with us through it all (Isaiah 43:2). And so even when the king made good on his fiery threat, God proved that He had not abandoned His faithful ones (Daniel 3:25).
The Lord can also use our faithfulness to change people’s thoughts and actions in ways we cannot even begin to imagine. Nebuchadnezzar marveled at the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego after witnessing their delivery from the fire, acknowledging, “There is no other god who is able to deliver like this” (Daniel 3:29). Even further, he passed a law that forbade anyone else from speaking against God. This allowed other Jewish exiles to worship God without fear of punishment. This all came about because three young men refused to give up their faith.
And what about us? How do we respond when it seems as if everything and everyone is against us? We lean in closer to the one who refuses to abandon us. We trust that as we walk through the flames, He is with us every step of the way.
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63 thoughts on "Delivered from the Fire"
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The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? I hope to be as bold as this! Thank you Jesus for your grace and power!
At church this week we talked about how the Babylonians changed the names of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, as we see in Daniel 1:7. Changing their names was significant because it changed the meaning of their names. I found when reading todays passage that their Hebrew names were prophetic of this story. Hananiah means “Yahweh has been gracious” Mishael means “who is what God is?” And Azariah means “Yahweh has helped.” They had such faith that Yahweh would help them and be gracious. Nebuchadnezzar even says “there is no other God who is able to deliver like this.” — “Who is what God is?”
At church this week we talked about how the Babylonians changed the names of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, as we see in Daniel 1:7. Changing their names was significant because it changed the meaning of their names. I found when reading todays passage that their Hebrew names were prophetic of this story. Hananiah means “Yahweh has been gracious” Mishael means “who is what God is?” And Azariah means “Yahweh has helped.” They had such faith that Yahweh would help them and be gracious. Nebuchadnezzar even says “there is nk
At church this week we talked about how the Babylonians changed the names of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, as we see in Daniel 1:7.
So bold. I hope I would be so bold, but my flesh is weak. God thank you for their faith!
Also, where was Daniel when Shad, Rack, and Benny were being thrown into the fire? Daniel was just as “guilty” in the eyes of Nebuchadnezzar as the other three were. Why wasn’t he thrown into the furnace?
My mom is in really bad shape due to gastroparesis. In short, her stomach has stopped working. She hasn’t been able to eat hardly anything in about a month. The Sugical doctor she was referred to had never called to schedule an appointment. I finally got one yesterday. This is after about 3+ months of waiting and multiple hospital ER visits for nutrients to be put in her body pretty much. Anyways. With Christmas I didn’t know what kind of present to get for her. She doesn’t need materialistic things obviously. So I painted a canvas and put Isaiah 43:2 on it. And it keeps coming up in this study. Thank you God for reminding me she is in your hands either way it goes.
God answers prayers in amazing ways. He just showed up to me right now in a major battle I am facing. He amazes me.
Lord you are my light and salvation i shall fear no man!
“He can rescue us from the furnace …. But even if he does not …” – Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.
They acknowledge God’s Power, but they don’t presume God’s Will. I really have to sit with that. I have so many of my own dreams and desires. And I pray pray pray that God fulfills them. But even if He doesn’t, my faith should not falter.
Also, when confronted by King N, S/M/A simply acknowledged their “crime”. They didn’t cave or give excuses
– There’s nothing to gain by resisting
– Do in Rome as the Romans
– Will we lose our jobs and standard of living
– Afterall, we are not being asked to renounce God
– Everyone else is doing it
– It’s only for once and for 10 mins. Stupid to throw life away for 10 mins
– This is more than expected. God will understand”
I found this on Enduring Word (https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/daniel-3/). So powerful. The excuses my heart makes to not obey God.
Love this study so much. Thank you SRT!
To put it simple to say, Daniel works in the inner court. So I guess he works inside the building of the king’s court, his position is high, I guessed he has some kind of his own office. While the other 3 works in an “open field” workplace in Babylonian province
Agree. Simply to say is Daniel was in the “inner court” / inside a building perhaps he has like his own “office”, while the other 3 is in the “field”/ “ open space workplace”
Perhaps it was not noticed that Daniel did not bow down because he was in the king’s court but the other three were in the province of Babylon.
I’m curious about this as well!
I love this study so far … but I have one question…. why not go after Daniel too instead of just the three men under him… where was Daniel in all of this?
This reading reminds me of the song “Through the Fire.” The end of the chorus says to just hold on, our God will show up, and take you through the fire again.”
God doesn’t promise to always save us from the fire like he did with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego but; he promises to ALWAYS be there in the fire with us.
There is another in the fire standing next to me. May I continue to know and trust that MY God is right next to me through it all.
I so badly want my faith to be as intense and secure as them. I felt chills reading this and how bold they were being in their without any compromise. To be this courageous in faith, please pray I do. It’s been so hard lately and I was to lean into God more than ever.
I’ve been struggling with my job and keep reaching out to God to give me strength but I keep taking back control. I realize I’m not making the plea I need to. The plea isn’t help me survive this challenge. It’s how do you want to use me in this challenge.
I am struggling with my job as well. Thank you for sharing this perspective.
I am still with goosebumps their statement of faith that even if God did not save them they would still worship only the one true God. How often do I waiver when the storms come and cling to things for comfort instead of God alone
This story is one of my favourites for that very reason. The goosebumps. The reflection on my own life.
These young men had such faith what a testimony for us. May we be found faithful. 
Two things from the reading that really stood out to me:
The text mentions that after Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were bound, they “fell” into the furnace. It made me think about how so many times, we fall into our situations of strife and turmoil, we don’t always walk directly into them. The text continues by mentioning that after seeing what was happening in the furnace that King N. “called” to the young men to “come out” of the furnace. Isn’t it beautiful that after we have fallen into difficult situations that we get called to come out of them?
Also, something that I loved to see is the verses from Izaiah discussing how we can walk through flames, but God will be with us and how we will be untouched by them… these words were written MANY years prior to the Babylonian exile. They were a promise fulfilled, and the words will continue to be for us in the years to come. Thank you Jesus.
God never promised that we wouldn.t encounter hardships, but He did promise that He will be with us, He will never leave us or forsake us. We can count on that! Amen
Am I a Nebuchadnezzar- prideful, rash, or temperamental?
Am I a Chaldean- gossipy, jealous, or legalistic?
Am I a Shadrach, Meshach, or Abednego- steadfast in my faith, not given to fear, and certain God is good no matter my circumstances?
I confess and repent that I am the first two more than I would like to be. Lord, continue to sanctify me and create a pure heart in me. When I am faced with the rivers and the fire, may I remember that you are near, that you are who you say you are.
Amen, Lindsay. I echo your prayer!
Faith over fear! Yet living it is so much harder. I have a lot of friends who are not believers, I was baptized in March 2019. I recently worked up the courage to suggest a devotional book about Hope, a few friends of mine have encountered loss in various ways during this pandemic. Rather than complain and be angry, I was looking for a way to encourage. One surprise was when a friend agreed to give it a try. The other friend (who I thought might be more open to it) then said she might get sarcastic especially if it was a bunch of “bible thumping”. I did have a talk with her about how that wouldn’t be appropriate and it was okay not to participate in the devotional, but during that conversation, I felt there were times I was silent about certain beliefs when I could have been more vocal. I’m not sure if I did this because of fear of rejection or if it was best to stay quiet so God could do his work in other ways. I feel I wasn’t courageous enough, faithful enough. It amazes me that the 3 in today’s reading were so unwavering and strong at the risk of death! Mine was just a conversation. This reading reminds me that God will walk through the fire with me, that I’m not alone in the challenges I’m presented.
That is faith!
Thank you Father for being with us when we are in the fire.
Did anyone else notice that He just showed up in the fire. We don’t even have to ask and He is there for us before we even realize we need Him.
Trust, believe and know that God is with us ALWAYS
What wonderful way to start this day
We’ve just had to cancel shoulder surgery for my husband because of illness-awaiting Covid test results. Praying for negative test results, relief of symptoms, & that I don’t get whatever he has. Thanks for joining me in prayer, sisters.
This hit home for me. I had to leave my job a month ago because I was being forced into unethical behaviour but God has been very faithful. Even though I quit my job I was able to receive unemployment benefits because of the unethical behaviour of my employer and God is also opening up doors for my career that are even better then what I was doing before I quit (it was a bit of a dream job except for the unethical behaviour of the people above me)
Whatever my fiery furnace may be, I want to walk toward it with the knowledge, with the peace that it is well with my soul. Tear down our idols, expose our sin and let us worship the the only God who is able and willing to save. Let us praise the One who cares for us and blesses us. Thank you Father God for your great love for us.
Thank you all for your prayers ❤️ The doctor said there is improvement however the issue still persists..
But God… I know He is healing and I know He is with me through the fire.
I have the words “when” and “through“ underlined in my Bible in Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
God promises to be with us not if but when we face trails. And He promises to see us through to the very end. What comforting promises ❤️
Praying with you Kristina for your friend and his Mom. May they both feel Jesus comfort, love and healing in this time of the great loss and may God heal his mom completely. Praying for you Amanda that your follow up test is good and His peace fills your heart. And Kelly praying good news for you in your test today. Jesus is with us in the fire, no matter what we face,He goes before us and walks beside us. Our God is mighty to save. I pray for boldness like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to not fear the fire or the storms that come, but to give God glory in them that others can see the saving grace and loving hands of God at work. So glad you are out there sisters. Praying this day you feel the Everlasting Arms of our God holding you in the midst of whatever you are facing and know you are loved by the Almighty beyond measure and with grace.
Yesterday after writing my comment I accidentlly eraced it, whoops! So I kinda feel like I may be repeating things I’ve said but maybe not! I had went back to the comments of the first day and was so happy to see SO many comments, for I always read with there are just over a handful! I was really excited to read how many people are reading SRT for the first time and gaining so much from the comments as well! You will come to love many as I have over the years! I am missing Tina, hopefully she is well, and I have started a page in my notes called churchmouse thoughts, she is so good with putting down good 1 liners! I always like to post a song that comes to mind while reading because just as it says in Psalms I like to sings songs of praise! Blessing to all of you! Daniel might just be my favorite study thus far, so timely! So timely for so many new people! yay! The Song is Chris Tomlin- Whom Shall I fear! Take a quick listen and know God is with you through anything! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOkImV2cJDg
I love this passage! No smell of smoke. No matter what circumstances we go through in life, Jesus is our rock. God didn’t put out the fire, he walked into the fire with them & they came out with no smell of fire. May we be that example to the world. No matter what we go through or have gone through, let our eyes be so fixed on Jesus that we come through with no smell of smoke, pointing to our Savior!
Such a comforting passage, especially during these times. Life has flipped upside down and inside out, yet God is with us in all of it.
Managing to have small conversations with non-christians just by the small actions we do can be so powerful.
This is one of my favorite passages in Scripture. What and incredible and vivid picture of what happens to us when we allow Jesus to walk with us through life’s trials, pain, disappointments, etc. Only what keeps us in bondage will be burned away and not even the evidence or smell of fire will be on us and God will be praised and worshipped by those watching. An offering made by fire is a sweet and pleasing aroma to the Lord (Leviticus 1:11, 13, 17…) May we as His children continue to offer ourselves as living sacrifices to our God (Romans 12:1)
Ahhh…This spoke to my heart…Thank you Gencina!
And even if He doesn’t…Lord may I be as willing to say these words any time I am faced with the uncertainty in what my eyes can see.
I had the same thoughts… That God joined them in the fire. He didn’t leave them to go through it alone. As many times as I’ve heard this story, that hasn’t impacted me until today. I so enjoy SRT, and reading all your comments, thank you all for your wisdom and insights.
Amen God is so good and is always there no matter what the daily challenge is he is the one that stands by your side and stays.
It is sometimes more challenging in an election year to proclaim a Biblical worldview. It is often challenging on ordinary days to live unwavering and unapologetically for Him. Criticism and ridicule can be fierce. Yet I have not faced a fiery furnace such as Daniel’s friends. May I be as resolute however. When my faith is tested, may I remember the fourth in the fire and draw strength to persevere and endure.
Churchmouse, I may have missed it but how is your granddaughter?
What the boys went through caused a law to be passed that no one could speak against God. I wish we had that law today! If we are unwavering, people will see our dedication and miracles will happen.
Amen!
Verse 23&24 always give me goosebumps. Going through really rough and trying times, but this reminds me that I’m not alone. There’s another in the fire! Thank you Lord.
Interesting that God (or His angel) chose to go INTO the fire with them to save them when He could have done it so many other ways. He’s right here now in all of the world’s chaos and fire. Thank you Lord!
n God is so good
I was woken up this morning with and urged pray for small business owners. I believe God is calling me to pray publicly on Monday at 3 for the small businesses in my area. He has asked me to step out in faith in smaller ways before and when I did He gave promise to increase my ability and opportunity.
Amen god is good
“But even if he does not…” Daniel 3:18a … HE IS STILL GOOD. (My favorite t-shirt saying.)
Another in the Fire, by Hillsong. Grace when the heart is under fire. I will never be alone. (A favorite song.)
Psalm 27:4 “I have asked one thing from the LORD; it is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, gazing on the beauty of the LORD and seeking him in his temple.” (Although the whole chapter is going to be my new goal for memorization-in my heart and mind)
AND,
Isaiah 43:1-4 (Favorite verses)
And finally, Peace Be Still by The Belonging Co & Lauren Daigle. Faith rise up. I’m not going to be afraid because these waves are only waves. I’m not going to fear the storm. You are greater than it’s roar. Say the word, and I will set my feet upon the sea until I’m dancing in the deep. You are here, so it is well. (Another favorite)
Storms and fire.
Will I dance?
Will I trust?
Almighty God.
The great I AM.
Peace.
Be still.
Amen.
Amen! Praising God this morning for His goodness!
KRISTINA – I am praying for your friend as he works through the death of his dad and his mom being in the hospital with COVID as well. I am also praying for his mom. I am sorry for the pain and difficulty they face right now and pray that God Himself with be with them in this time of fire.
AMANDA and KELLY – Amanda, I pray your follow-up appointment went well and that Kelly today your follow-up tests will give guidance and the wisdom needed.
ANGELA – loved your post yesterday. I copied it into my files of thoughts I want to remember. Thank you.
Psalm 27 (NKJV)
13 I would have lost heart, unless I had believed
That I would see the goodness of the Lord
In the land of the living.
14 Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart;
Wait, I say, on the Lord!
The power of faith! I love vs 13-14 above, believe & wait … we can get through anything, even what feels hopeless, looks impossible or is devastating. Praise the Lord! Help us to remember Your power, strength and faithfulness, especially through these hard times.
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I love this Scripture! I love the faith of the men, and how they say that they don’t even need to answer King Nebuchadnezzar. I never thought about how this made a way for the other exiles to worship God freely! What conviction!
Amen!