Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 NLT
Fear is a little like a brick. You can be angry and throw it through a window, breaking things and causing chaos. Even worse, you could hit a person with it and seriously hurt, perhaps even kill them. But bricks can also be used to build protection, beautify, and care for people. It depends on the wisdom and choices of the person with the brick.
Fear comes to everyone sometimes. It is not inherently sinful or weak to experience fear. Sometimes fear can be a warning that something is not right, you are heading in the wrong direction, or danger is imminent. But fear can also motivate us to do irresponsible things. Whether fear helps us or hurts us is in our hands. We choose.
The Bible is full of examples on both sides of that choice. Some of the most inspiring and challenging true accounts are those of individuals who rose up strong in faith to stand firm in the face of fear. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are three of those. They were Jewish young men, taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar to Babylon, one of the most fearsome empires in history. Led away from wisdom by flattery from evil advisors, the king decreed that for 30 days no one could pray or give allegiance to any God or man but him. The result of disobedience was to be thrown into a blazing furnace. This was the advisors’ trump card. They had witnessed the faith of these young men who were surpassing them in the king’s favor, and they were mad with jealousy. They knew these men of faith would never bow.
Faced with this overwhelming threat, of course the three felt fear. But they didn’t crumble. They didn’t beg. They didn’t shrink back because there was legitimate reason for fear. They refused to be controlled by fear but stood strong in their faith, anchored in God’s promises. They walked boldly to face the king and declare that they knew God had their back. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew He could deliver if He chose, but they were leaving that choice to Him. If He chose not to deliver, it wouldn’t change their minds. They walked into the furnace not knowing how God would handle it but knowing He would, and it would be good because God is good.
When fear is a legitimate response, our choice is to move closer to God and declare our faith when we are afraid. "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you" (Psalm 56:3 NLT). He is good and faithful.
- Faith in the faithful Father will help us stand firm in the face of fear.