Finding the Light in FearSample

DAY 3 IF NOT I’m glad to see you back today as we continue our study of Scripture on the topic of fear. In our first two days together, we learned Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were officials for King Nebuchadnezzar. When King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and required every person under his rule to worship it, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. They were God-honoring men and ignored the king and his command. King Nebuchadnezzar summoned the men to him and made them choose to worship as he required or be thrown into a fire alive. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego responded by not worshipping Nebuchadnezzar’s golden image and told the king their God was ABLE to deliver and FREE them from his hands (Daniel 3:17). Today, we are going to study the “what if” scenario. As humans, we constantly confront “what if” thoughts. It’s another evil tactic the enemy uses when we are strong enough to start facing our fear. Today’s verse continues Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s response to the king. 18 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.” (Daniel 3:18) In today’s verse, we must recognize Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s unyielding faith in God that He was ABLE to FREE them. The “what if” scenario is shown here with their response “if not” (Daniel 3:18). Their “what if” was not about God not being able. It was, “...if [God] does not [deliver us as we think he will]...” They knew God could save them, but they did not know how God would show His power. So, they still faced the fear of being thrown into the fire alive as they continued to refuse worship to the golden image. Today’s Scripture shows us the faith that comes in the “what if” scenario. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego may not have known how God would free them, but they knew God would still protect them. Today, I leave you with this: faith is more about the unseen and the unknown than seeing and knowing. Simply knowing God is ABLE and holding that assurance is enough faith to face any fear. Come back tomorrow as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego go face-to-face with their fear. SUICIDE & CRISIS LIFELINE: CALL OR TEXT 9-8-8