Daily devotional · August 15
Even If He Doesn't
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.””
Three friends stand before a furious king and a blazing furnace. They say God can rescue them, but even if he does not, they will not bow to the statue. That last phrase is remarkable. Their faith is not a bargain with a guaranteed outcome; it is loyalty that holds whether or not things turn out well. Many of us pray with an unspoken clause: I will trust you if things work out. These men show a deeper trust. Read Daniel 3:18 and consider what you would not give up, even if it cost you comfort or reputation. The story also tells us that a fourth figure walked with them in the fire. Courage does not remove the flames, but it does bring company. Today, identify one small place where you could quietly choose integrity over convenience, and follow through without announcing it.
Also read
“But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.””
Daniel 3:18
Prayer
Lord, keep my heart loyal to you whether or not things go my way. Walk with me through whatever fire I face.