Fearless Faith
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 NIV
A few weeks ago I started a study on Daniel’s three friends, I wasn’t too familiar with their entire story, how they came to face the furnace, why were they spared? I was impressed to say the least at their unshakeable faith, no matter the outcome; they were positive that God would take care of them. They could have burned to death in a fire seven times hotter then any other, but they never even blinked an eye! When I set out to write this, I went in a different direction, I researched how to turn everything over to God. Something I struggle with daily. I have the tendency to try to “fix” things; I’m a control freak in most aspects of my life. When a situation arises that causes panic and worry, I forget what the Bible tells me. I step out from under that umbrella of God’s protection and walk according to my flesh. When my situation gets worse, and it always does, I get frustrated and impatient. Eventually I’m left hurt and hopeless. I never said I wasn’t hard headed! Enough is enough, why waste my time and energy on my failed attempts to “fix” it? Why not trust in the Word, relying on what I’m told to do when faced with theses situations?
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
I CAN’T DO IT ALONE! I can’t “fix” anything without Him, so quit trying!
Since I live in this body of flesh, I get to struggle with sin, doubt, temptation and deceit. Satan uses these sneaky little words to mess me up all the time. How strong those three young men were! I want to use their example; I want a fearless faith just like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego! Of course my worries and struggles pale in comparison to their facing a fiery death, but more the reason I should fearlessly hand it over and trust in God’s outcome for my life.
God is so much bigger then all my worries, all my problems and all my struggles all put together. I’m confident in my beliefs, I have my faith because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. I’ll continue to be tested and trained during this walk, to bring me closer to Him and intensify my faith. I’ll fail, I’ll stumble, I’ll pray and He will answer. He will provide my every need. If I start to worry, He will remind me. Just like Daniel’s three friends, I won’t be burned! I’ll be fearless!
~ Aubrey
