Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
Open Your Bible
Daniel 3:1-30, Isaiah 43:2
BY Ellen L. Taylor
Even if not, He is still good. I’ve seen that phrase all over the Internet, on Pinterest boards, college dorm room walls, and coffee mugs—used time and time again to remind us that God is still good in the midst of trials and pain and suffering.
A few weeks ago, I had a really painful situation occur with one of the people I love most, and I almost lost them. I felt completely betrayed. As a result, I lost a lot of trust in that person. And it occurred to me that I have no idea how people survive the painful situations in their lives if they do not believe in God.
I don’t believe in the prosperity gospel, the lie that tells us if we believe in God enough and work hard enough to somehow live lives worthy of His love, then He will lavish upon us riches and good fortune. But I do believe that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17), and that God’s good plan ultimately ends in the restoration of His kingdom and eternal life spent in worship of the Creator God (Revelation 21–22).
But is God still good when everything stable, everything you thought you knew, is ripped out from under you? Or when your boyfriend breaks your heart? Is He good when your grandmother gets cancer? Is God still good when the plans you had for your life fall apart right in front of you?
Yes. He is.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were really good examples of living out that Pinterest-worthy saying: Even if not, He is still good. They trusted in God so fiercely that they agreed to be put in a fiery furnace to prove their heartfelt belief. They risked their lives for their faith by refusing to bow before anyone or anything but God. In doing so, they brought Him glory. And when pushed on the matter by the king, they simply said, “Even if [our 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).
Their faith in God’s provision and protection was so strong that they were willing to walk into the fire, believing that He would save them. And they were confident in their decision because of their dedication to their God—even if He chose not to rescue them from the fire.
The same is true for us. No matter the circumstances that come our way, when we walk through the pain and trials of life, this truth remains: we are still His, and He is still ours (Isaiah 43:2). And He is still good.
The end result for these three men? A king convinced of the goodness of God and a whole empire of people now told to worship Him, instead of the false gods and idols of their past. All because of the faith of three men and their willingness to say, “Even if not, He is still good.”
57 thoughts on "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego"
-
Can’t believe how much this reading describes my life right now; my dad being diagnosed with ALS, and the plans I had for my next few years shattering in front of me.
But God is with us through the fiery furnace.
“When you pass through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” Isaiah 43:2These are the exact words I needed to hear today.
-
A great verse from Isaiah. We may still feel the heat when we walk through the fires in our life, but if we walk with God we are never truly scorched by it.
-
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing.
-
Oh to have a faith like that! I pray that God will strengthen my faith to the level of these three men!
-
Rejoicing with you, Candi!!
-
SRT, I wonder why the times of posts are often not accurate? The post Churchmouse made today said 13 minutes ago when I looked at it, and some of the posts from others clearly responding to this say a year ago?
-
I’ve noticed this too! I thought it was just my app, glad I’m not the only one.
-
I have noticed this same thing many times with previous studies also. I hesitate to even reply because of the time stamps that seem to be all over the place.
-
This is because, I think, this study has been released before (as two studies men /women separate). So some it’s the comments are from the first time around. Maybe :)
-
-
Churchmouse, I am praying for healing, strength, and peace for you!
-
I just have to share with you all that God has worked a miracle in our lives! Three years ago, my daughter, then 12, was diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia that can cause sudden cardiac death. We have since prayed for healing and for her to be able to be off the medication. That day has come!! After several tests over the last 6 months that show a normal heart rhythm, yesterday doctor took her off he medication! At first although I felt grateful, I felt tentative because I was worried she could have an aberrant heartbeat that could cause sudden cardiac death. But, God has been working on my heart now I just feel so grateful and I trust what He’s done without reservation. Our God is amazing! He saved Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and He saved us! He is faithful and true, He is mighty and compassionate, He is a God who saves, He is a God who heals! He healed my baby girl and I couldn’t be more grateful!!
-
Praise Him, our God of miracles !!
-
Post Comments (57)