I have always been fascinated with the story of those mighty men in Daniel: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. How with raw courage and a resolute spirit, they refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s statue and were prepared to be thrown into a blazing furnace and suffer rather than sin before their God. They were determined to be faithful despite there being no guarantees of their deliverance. And they clearly believed that their God could deliver them from this trial, or miraculously sustain and strengthen them in the trial. They did not whine. Nor spout their rights. They just took a stand. God meant more to them at that moment than the answers to their prayers.
They could have felt all HELL was about to be unleashed upon them. When in fact- all HEAVEN was about to break out. We never know just how God is going to bring honour to Himself through our circumstances. See- they knew God’s power but were prepared to submit should He not use it in the way they desired.
Let’s admit it- we sometimes just have a problem letting God be God. He stands alone. And we dis-empower Him when we bring Him down to our level. When we make Him answerable to us. It strikes me that within this beautiful relationship we have with God there lies an inherent paradox: it’s close and intimate yet He is so far removed from our human understanding.
Isaiah 55:8 My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. ( NLT)
So often in the trials I have faced, I have found that the breakthrough with God is not just found in the answer to the problem. The real breakthrough is found in my capacity and my attitude to handle it well whilst I wait and walk through it. How I respond to things if they do not turn out how I expect…or want. The truth is God is interested in our faith, our trust in Him and the journey of our heart as much as He is in giving us the answer. The thing I hold dear is this: He promises to fight for us, to uphold us and provide a way out every time. The cross teaches us that. And His extravagant love will carry us through…