Our God is able

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.” ~Daniel 3:25 (NIV)

The “fiery furnace” doesn’t sound like a place anybody would want to be, yet as long as we are on this earth, we will have seasons of trials and afflictions.  The Lord teaches us in Psalm 34:19 “Many are the afflictions of the righteous:  but the Lord delivers him out of them all.” (ESV) In the book of Daniel we read about three young men who choose to worship God despite the consequences.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego tell King Nebuchadnezzar in Daniel 3:17-18 “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. 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.” (NIV)  These boys were what we call in Texas “all in”.  They had made up their mind to do what the Lord commanded them to do no matter what the cost.  Even up to giving up their lives!  They didn’t just stop at the knowledge that God was able to deliver them, they were so committed to being obedient to God that they said even if He doesn’t step in, we are going to do it His way.  When was the last time your commitment to obedience to God superseded your own life?  It does every time we choose to lay our will down and walk in obedience by loving and forgiving others despite what they say and how they act.  When we take up our cross so to speak and lay down our lives, our will, our way, our finances, and our bad attitude for the sole purpose of showing others the goodness and love of God we are doing just as these young men did in the book of Daniel. And do you know that God showed up really big for them that day?  He wants to do the same for me and you as we walk in commitment to the call God has placed on our life.  So many people believe that it’s the big things that matter to God…you know the ten commandments and such.  But Jesus said all those commandments center around walking in love with God and man.  There is only the “Big Two” now!   

We have to learn to honor God no matter what situation we find ourselves in and trust in His deliverance as we do what we know He would expect us to.  Our attitude should always be "our God is able", but even if He chooses not to, we will still do it His way.  Job said in Job 13:15 "though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” (KJV)  Trust in God's love for you and in the promises He has given to you.  He tells us in Isaiah 55:10-13 “The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth.  They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.  It is the same with My word.  I send it out and it always produces fruit.  It will accomplish all I want it to, and will prosper everywhere I send it.” (NLT)  That scripture promises God’s word is a powerful tool and weapon for every believer. Trust Him to honor it and uphold you as you trust His word for your life.

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. ~Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)

How has God shown up big for you?

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