Even If He Does Not

"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.” - Daniel 3:17-18

I feel like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are one of the greatest examples of faith in the Bible. Not just because they stood up instead of bowing to Nebuchadnezzar's statue, but because of what they said in these verses. To me, this attitude epitomizes faith.

Faith is recognizing what God is able to do in the midst of our problems. That his power over any circumstance in our life is so great, we have nothing to fear. Not even death by fire.

Faith is also committing to serve and obey God alone even if you don't see him exercise that power.

It is tempting to stop at the first kind of faith. And if God doesn't respond with his power, we question our faith. We ask, "Why should I have faith in God when he isn't there for me?"

Rack, Shack, and Benny established from the moment their problems started that there was a chance God wouldn't solve them, despite his ability to. Their faith stood the test when they decided to honor him no matter what.

What's going on in your life? How confident are you that God can show power over that problem? And are you willing to stand up, "even if he does not"?