Key scripture – “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.” (Daniel 3:17).

In the book of Daniel we see examples of the power, ability and freedom from fear that we can have when we have a relationship with God, and we allow Him to work in us and through us.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego had an intimate relationship with God and had full confidence in His power and ability, and because of that they lived free of fear even when they were faced with the prospect of being burned alive in a furnace. They also had confidence in God’s ability to use His power to save them. They didn’t need to see God exercise His power; it was enough for them to know He had it and that is why they were able to tell the king: “We know God is able to save us, but even if He doesn’t display His power we are fine with that. We trust Him regardless of the outcome.” They knew what God could do and that helped them dispel the fear, no matter what they were facing.

Are you confident in God’s power and ability? You can live fearlessly. You can be free from fearing anything that man can do to you, and instead you can trust in God’s decisions for you, His love, and His power. “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” (Proverbs 29:25).

Pastor, John Witherspoon said, “It is only the fear of God that can deliver us from the fear of man.” We need to proclaim with confidence what the author of Hebrews says, “So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6).

Are you living in fear regarding your family, your job, your finances, your health, or your marriage? You cannot have faith and fear. Those two are like oil and water, they will not mix, you either have one or the other. Today, you can choose faith, not fear, and you can do that, because God is always with you and you can trust Him regarding the outcome.

Isaiah tells us this about God and what He will do for you if you trust Him, “You will keep the man in perfect peace whose mind is kept on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever. For the Lord God is a Rock that lasts forever.” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

You are probably thinking, “So what happened to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, when they trusted God and they stood up to the king? Was God with them? Absolutely! He was right there with them in the fire, just like He is with you in your trial, and He completely protected them from being injured by their enemy, the king, so that when they came out of the fiery furnace they were not burned nor did they even smell like smoke!

“The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them. Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” (Daniel 3:22-28).

Pray this – Our Precious Heavenly Father, You did not give me “a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7). Father, I want to live a life that’s free from fear. I want to bring honor and glory to Your Name. I trust You like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did. I stand on what You promised us in Isaiah, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. “All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” (Isaiah 41:10-13). Father, You are always with me! The Lord God Almighty is with me and for me, what can man do to me? Nothing! Whom shall I fear? Absolutely no one. I say with authority, strength, and courage, “If God is for me who can be against me.” (Romans 8:31). Not matter what I face, I know that You are right there with me, and I will come through it like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, not burned and not even smelling like smoke. I can face my fiery furnace with confidence because You are right there with me and I know that man is not in control, Jesus is, and it is not over till Jesus says it is over. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

 Laura Ingle