We Pursue God to See His Victory

Story

What makes you feel like you've won? Winning an important game? What about performing at a special event? I’ll bet getting a good grade feels like a win! Did you know that following God is filled with wins? Victories with God are really special because they feel like you’ve done something that will last forever. Imagine getting a trophy that not only never gets old, but grows bigger with time, so people who see it wonder! Imagine performing so well that people can never forget what you did and still want to talk about it even when you’re not around! Imagine passing a test that gives you the ability to do things no one else can do! Imagine doing something that makes your parents proud of you forever—that’s what it feels like to have victory with God.

These victories with God are very special, but it’s easy to live our whole lives without experiencing them. God may even give them to you, but if you aren’t paying attention you can miss them. We’ve seen that pursuing God lets us hear from Him, and that by hearing from Him we stay faithful even when we’re alone.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were princes from the kingdom Israel. They were alive during a time when Israel was destroyed by another kingdom called Babylon. This was because Israel failed to learn its lesson to not worship false gods. They failed to listen to the warnings of Moses and Elijah, and so the Israelites were captured and taken to Babylon. Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were royalty, they were given jobs at the King of Babylon’s court. Though they were taken from their homes, given new names, and educated in Babylonian culture, they learned the lessons of the prophets and stayed faithful to God.

Bible

Read Daniel chapter 3. Note that some of the content may be somewhat heavy for young readers. You’re the parents, use your own judgment on what to omit.

Think

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego each followed God on their own, so that when everyone else was against them, they were able to stand for God when everyone else bowed and worshiped the king. Because they were ready for the test they were given, they passed and got to see God’s victory. Not only were their own lives saved, but they were in positions of power to affect large changes for others.

God’s victories are special because they touch the eternity of others. We as Christians can deeply affect the eternity of others because we have direct access to God. Our prayers, our decisions, and our examples carry weight even when we don’t see it. It’s easy to miss big eternal things unless we pay attention to God. If we could see the effect we have on others the way He sees it, it might compel us to experience the greatest pride or the deepest sorrow.

Do Something

Think about the times you’ve had victories with God. Parents, share stories with your children about times you’ve seen His hand in your life. This will teach them how to see His hand in their own lives. It’s easy for us to move on from victories to seek new ones, but take time to celebrate even small victories, since God will use them to bring you and your children to bigger ones!

Pray

Father God, we come to You in the name of Jesus. There are things we need victory for—hard things. Help us stand with You. Help us to pursue You and, in that pursuit, find victory. And when we have it, help us to celebrate well. Amen.