But Even If He Does Not (Daniel 2:34-3:18)

But Even If He Does Not (Daniel 2:34-3:18)

What is always striking in the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego before Nebuchadnezzar is the shape of their faith. They were confident that God could save them. They were even certain that He would. But they also declared to the king that even if God chose not to save them, they would still be faithful to Him.

Is my faithfulness to God built on the expectations of good things He will do for me? Or is it faith in God simply for who He is: the One true God and source of all that is good? We rejoice and take comfort in God’s amazing promises of blessings, both for this life and in the new creation. But there is always the danger of our faith devolving into a self-centered hope for good things rather than hope in the good God.

This account calls us to be mindful that God is God and not merely a tool of our happiness. The faith to which we are called is a much richer relationship and devotion than merely pursuing the “bread king” (John 6:15). Faith trusts in God for who God is, for the God who has revealed His nature and character in their cross and empty tomb and has worked an eternal answer to the brokenness of the world. Faith trusts in the God who may grant us none of the earthly things we want, while providing us with all the eternal treasures we so desperately need. And while the world sees us in hardship, and marvels at the heat of the furnace, our hearts in faith cry out “To God Alone Be The Glory!”

What is the Word leading you to pray about today?

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