Daniel tells the story of some young men who found themselves captive in a hostile culture, but who managed to find their way and stand strong to their beliefs and convictions. What we believe is at the bottom of everything that we face. In what do we place the confidence on our life? These men were taken from their home. Their names and clothes were changed. Some changes, these young men went along with, but others they would not. When we read the book of Daniel we learn that when we are living under pressure, we must have principles that are greater than our pressures. There are just some things to which we cannot bow or bend. Principles are what help get us through. When we read the story of these three Hebrew boys, we already know the end. In the midst of it, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego did not know that the Lord would save them from the fire. They knew that He could, but they did not know that He would. They had a confidence in God that no matter what the situation, that God was able. They told King Agrippa that God was able, but even if He would not, they would still not bow. Their faith was not based on God’s performance. Their faith was not based on what God would do for them. Their faith was based on what God was capable of doing it, not that he would actually do it. We often try to bargain with God: “Lord, I could worship you better if You would deliver me from this storm.” These three young men show us that true faith is not based on God performing for us, but on the simple fact that He is God. God is a healer, but if He does not heal us, He is still God. God is a provider, but if He does not deliver that wanted job, He is still God. Can we still rejoice in God if He does not deliver? Can we still worship in the face of an unanswered prayer? Can we still praise Him if He does not deliver us from the furnace in our own life? When our faith is not based on what He does for us, but on His presence, we are living with the right perspective.
