Thankful November: Day 18

Day 18- I've already mentioned that we've been studying Daniel in church. This Sunday, as always was convicting and encouraging. We are in chapter three and the story that so many of us have grown up hearing. The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. I'm so thankful for their example!
Our Pastor summed it up this way:
"Absolute loyalty". They believed that God and God alone deserves our worship and were willing to experience horrible pain rather than give that worship to any other

"There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the administration of the province of Babylon, namely Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego. These men, O king, have disregarded you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up."

Later (v28) the King even recognizes this by saying:

"Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who put their trust in Him,violating the king's command, and yielded up their bodies so as not to serve or worship any god except their own God." 

"Absolute Confidence" They knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that God was able to deliver them..

"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king." 

"Absolute faith" in God's good and sovereign plan.

"But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image which you have set up."

 I'm also thankful for what we see of God in this story. He knows when His children are facing the fire. He is sovereign over our circumstances, able to deliver us and always present. I love how God, pre-incarnate Christ, came down to be with them in the fire. He didn't have to do that, but he did! Our pastor took us to Isaiah 43 the first few verses say:

"But now, thus says the LORD, your Creator, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel, "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. "For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior;"

I'm so thankful to be able to serve this God!