A Nation Turned In A Day

Impact:

After Daniel interpreted a dream for Nebuchadnezzar, the King of Babylon gave Daniel a high position within his government. With his new influence, Daniel immediately asked the King to give his friends, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, jobs as administrators. God gave them influence and authority. And they understood that all authority is meant to be used to serve and lead people to draw closer to God.

At one point, their devotion to God was tested. King Nebuchadnezzar built a golden statue and everyone was ordered to bow down and worship it. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused. They were sentenced to die in a fiery furnace. Though they faced what looked like certain death, they boldly said to the king, “Your Majesty may be sure that we will not worship your god…” (Dan. 3:18) They were bold. They didn’t defend themselves (Dan. 3:16). They believed that if God wants to save them, he would (Dan. 3:17). They obeyed God and trusted He would do what was best.

After God miraculously protected and delivered them from the fiery furnace, Daniel 3:27 reads, “All the princes, governors, lieutenant governors, and other officials of the king gathered to look at the three men.…” God wants your life to powerfully influence your city and national leaders so that they will see that God is real and that He is good.

Prayer:

Jesus, I believe that you have called me to be a light in my city and to have influence among leaders in my nation. Make my life a prayer to you so that others will find hope in Jesus.