But if not…

Posted on June 23, 2016 by Graeme Wilson in Victory Call

“If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.  But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18

During Israel’s exile in Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to the ninety-foot golden statue erected by King Nebuchadnezzar.  Because of their refusal to bow to the idol they faced judgement in the fiery furnace. “But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?” (Daniel 3:15).

In the midst of a land that was riddled with ungodly practices, false gods and idols, they did not compromise their belief in the One True God.  Facing the threat of painful judgement they did not let fear seize them. They faced their future with confidence NOT because they thought they would get out of the punishment – though they knew that with God it was a possibility.  NO. Their confidence was in a God that deserved their worship regardless of the consequences.  They were living a God-centered, God-focused life, not a self-centered, self-focused life.

One of the roots of fear is the question, “How will this affect me?” We can be immobilized with fear if we look to the future from a ME-centered, ME-focused perspective.   “What will happen to ME? What will happen to MY loved ones? What lies ahead for ME?”

Let’s take a lesson from our three brothers Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.  Our God whom we love and serve is ABLE to deliver us from whatever lies ahead BUT IF NOT we will keep our eyes fixed on JESUS. We will NOT bow down to anyone or anything other than the ONE TRUE GOD.

We can face the future with confidence because HE IS THE GREAT I AM.  HE IS THE ALPHA AND THE OMEGA. HE IS WORTHY OF OUR WORSHIP.  HE IS WORTHY OF OUR TRUST.  GOD IS OUR GOD.  WE CAN FACE THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE BECAUSE GOD IS OUR GOD.

Fear has no place in a heart filled with HIM.

Blessings, Diane

Diane Hunt served for 16 years on the staff of America’s Keswick until recently when she and her husband relocated to North Carolina. She now continues serving as a contributing writer and Partner Care consultant. Diane is also a Biblical Counselor, speaker, teacher, and author. She delights in the opportunities she has as a women’s conference and retreat speaker to share from God’s word.  Many of her illustrations are drawn from her relational experiences as a wife, mother, and mema. They are the very relationships that bring her the greatest joy and the most fun!