“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is ABLE to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O King. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’”
Daniel 3:16-18
The Lord continues to draw me to the book of Daniel. I don’t know why but I truly feel He’s got something here for me. What’s the deeper vision, the desire of His heart in these words? This is His book, His story. And I’m His. So I read, listen, ponder and wait for Him this morning. It’s quiet time and I’m reading the book of Daniel and this verse really hits me.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel’s close friends) refused to worship false gods and were threatened to be thrown in the blazing furnace because of it. Although they knew the consequences they believed God was ABLE to save them. The amazing thing is, is that even if He did not save them; they were determined to remain faithful to God…no matter what! Because they believed Him. They knew Him!
Throughout life we face many trials. Maybe not as severe and life threatening as what Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego went through but trials that test our faith nonetheless. I believe we face trials and temptations in order to build and strengthen our faith and trust in Jesus. Often times when faced with hard decisions and difficult circumstances in this broken world we might verbally say, “He is able,” and even believe it. But when we go through various trials do we ever stop and say, “…even if He does not (rescue me from whatever circumstance)… I will still praise Him, and no one else.”
This is a hard truth to internalize. Jesus saved Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego from the furnace, but what if He hadn’t? What then? Before they knew the outcome, these three men of God had already determined in their hearts that God was worthy of their devotion and their lives…no matter what.
Is my faith strong enough to trust God even if He doesn’t rescue me out of the fire of my circumstances? Do I really trust that He has a greater plan? Will I still praise Him in the storm?
Lord, I believe that You can do all things! I pray that You would help me to let you orchestrate my life and circumstances around Your perfect plan. Help me to trust You when things don’t go my way and when I don’t understand Your ways. Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, please grow my faith so that I will honor, trust and glorify You above all things.
erin m. kelly 
i love the way you share your heart through writing…keep sharing Erin
Keep writing, Erin. You’re spreading a great message and you have a lot of talent.
Wow. And I’m the one writing for a living? This is amazing.
Erin, thank you so much i am currently going through things and needed to hear this. God bless!!
thank you for sharing your comments…i’m still learning and appreciate all the encouragement:)
Hey Erin
Great word, it really inspired me to go a little deeper and got me thinking about the many trials we go through and their purpose in shaping Christ in our hearts. One thing that hit me as I was reading your blog, was that it’s bearing the day to day crosses (that may not be as severe as ‘Team Shadrach’), that prepare us to triumph through much greater trials and challenges and emerge with faith, hope, and love for God intact. Thanks for sharing-I gave you a place on my “coveted taskbar” and will drop in from time to time to see what’s on your heart. Say hi to your mom for me and stay tough in Christ.
Rick
thank you for reading this Mr. Kern. Knowing what an amazing writer you are – having you read my writing is a huge blessing. Oh and feel free to edit…LOL
Well now I have to thank you-I am very flattered by your gracious words…
Sweet friend, I LOVEEE this story too- which is why I fell in love with this Shane and Shane song, “Burn us up.” It’s the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. I love how in the beginning of the song they refer to the “king” as the one who set the law but in the end the “King” they sing to is the LORD!
Here is a YouTube link that shows the lyrics with the song-
Love you EMK!
I love you Almy family!
Erin, beautiful, what a wonderful thing to discover a gift from the Lord, yours is obviously through words. I’ve been studying Daniel this summer so your post really touched my heart. I too love the example we have through him and his friends. May you continue to share your heart, and exhibit consistent resolve and faithfulness just like those in the story of Daniel that walked with the Lord before us. Thank you for your encouragement and by the way, I love the graphics, what a fun blog.
Well put, Erin! I couldn’t agree more. Blessings on your new blog! Keep sharing and God will use you in ways you never imagined.
Beautiful!
Hey Erin, such wisdom from a young lady.. Thanks for sharing.. We can never read these accounts enough, nor ponder enough what God has in store for us. God has used your family so much already, and this is just the beginning..
Thanks for sharing..
Brian (BFF#2) lol
This is a great entry. It’s so important to always trust God and believe that he will help you according to His will. It’s easy to praise God in good times but Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego proved that it’s even more gratifying and important to trust in God during the hard times.
I can’t wait to read more of your thoughts. 🙂
Kelly
Beautiful precious one. Love watching God lead you..Keep writing…it will touch many hearts!
wow, we need more kids like you around 🙂 this is awesome and such a great reflection of the great God we have in our lives working through people like you. You are indeed part of a great family!
oh my goodness…your comments encourage me:)
What a blessing!
thank you for sharing your love for Jesus. He is amazing!