5 Life-Changing Lessons from the Story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

5 Life-Changing Lessons from the Story

of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

Prevention is better than a cure. So you eat your vegetables, drink eight glasses of
water each day, stay away form illicit substances, exercise regularly, drive within the
speed limit, pray, and believe the Bible.

Despite all the effort, sometimes stuff still goes wrong: you have a heart attack; your
mother gets cancer; your marriage falls apart; your children rebel; you lose your job; the
list goes on.

Long ago there were three Hebrews who lived righteous lives, yet things didn't go so
well for them. They encountered evil, but rather than succumb like everyone else
around them, they challenged their situation. At first matters only became worse, but in
the end they came through smelling like roses.
Life isn't easy, and sometimes it deals you a rotten hand. Don't succumb to the weight
of it all; find hope in the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Because what you
need is a miracle in the fire.

Persuaded
Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and
in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever
he promises (Romans 4:20-21). 

When you read the account of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3, one thing
is apparent: they were fully persuaded. Nothing could make them bow to
Nebuchadnezzar's statue - no threats, no consequence, no punishment. They were fully
persuaded of the promises of God and in their obedience to him (Daniel 3:16-18).

If life has pushed you too far, it is time to rise up with the attitude of Shadrach, Meshach
and Abednego - an attitude where you are fully persuaded.

God can rescue me from cancer... Even if he doesn't, I will not bow down.

God can restore my marriage... Even if he doesn't, I will not bow down.

God will cause me to prosper... Even if he doesn't, I will not bow down.

Pressure
You might expect a fully persuaded attitude would cause breakthrough. Not necessarily.
When Nebuchadnezzar heard Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego's words of defiance,
he did not back down either. He turned up the pressure. Things got even hotter (Daniel
3:19).

Things may be heating up in your life - divorce, custody battles, sickness, mental illness.
You took a stand for God but things just got worse. You found yourself staring down a
fire. A fire like none you've seen. You thought God would save you from the fire.
You prayed God would save you from the fire. But it remains. 

Don't despair. Because when the devil turns up the heat, God does too.
Promise
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And he who formed you, O
Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are
mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they
shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor
shall the flame scorch you” (Isaiah 43:1-2).

God isn't going to save you from the fire. He will bring you through it. When you walk
through the fire of cancer, sickness, divorce, financial ruin - you shall not be burned.

Nebuchadnezzar made the fire so hot it killed some of his strongest soldiers (Daniel
3:22). Fire is deadly - for some. But you will not be truly burned. If you are fully
persuaded of the promises of God, you will not be destroyed.

You expected the miracle outside the fire. You thought God would save you before
things went that far. But for you, the miracle is in the fire.

Like it was for three Hebrews.

Protection
When Nebuchadnezzar threw Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego into the fire, their
chains broke, Jesus walked with them, and they did not smell of smoke (Daniel 3:24-
27).

When you walk through the fire, chains will break. Satan has used your situation to keep
you living a small and contained life. No longer! Chains break in the fire.

According to the promise of Isaiah 43, Jesus will walk with you in the fire. Whatever the
trouble or trial may be, you will have a tangible sense of his presence. Jesus reveals
himself in the fire. Watch for deeper revelation and worship experiences in your life.

Promotion
When Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego exited the fire, they received a promotion.
King Nebuchadnezzar saw the goodness and favour of God on their lives and promoted
them in his worldly kingdom (Daniel 3:30).

The fire may have been your greatest test, but on the other side you will see promotion.
You will experience spiritual promotion, for fire always refines. You may also encounter
physical promotion in your job and experience greater favor with those you know.
Others will recognize the goodness of God through your faith. 

If the fires of life are threatening, take heart. The miracle of Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego is a miracle for you too. Be fully persuaded. Believe the promise, so when
the pressure increases, you receive protection and ultimately promotion. 

Don't give up. Your miracle is in the fire