At that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. “There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.
Thought for Today
People’s motives are rarely as pure as they seem. The men who go to Nebuchadnezzar to inform him that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not complying with the king’s demand to worship his statue were not really worried about the king’s decree nor offended by the God of the Israelites. They were men of the court who wanted the positions of power held by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Worshiping the statue was just a convenient excuse to remove them. In the end, it didn’t matter. God used the opportunity to bring the Israelite men where He needed them. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were trying to stay out of the way. They may have wondered why God allowed them to be called out and brought into the spotlight when they were trying to do the right thing quietly. What they may have perceived as God allowing a bad thing to happen actually brought them to the center of where God was working. He needed someone to be His representatives to the king and nation of Babylon. We need to be careful of how we interpret God’s actions in our lives. Sometimes what appears to be God allowing negative circumstances is actually God aligning us to what He is doing and inviting us to be part. This is often a bit intimidating. Put your trust in God. His plans are always bigger and better than you can imagine.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to always trust You, even when I don’t understand what You are doing. Let my faith be greater than my circumstances. Amen.
Devotional Quote
Here's what God wants. He wants you to look up. He wants you to trust him. ― Linda Evans Shepherd, When You Can't Find God
Quote of the Day
Tough times don't define you, they refine you. ― Carlos A. Rodriguez
Daniel 3: The Intrigues of Men
Daniel 3: 8, 12
At that time certain Chaldeans came forward and maliciously accused the Jews. “There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.
Thought for Today
People’s motives are rarely as pure as they seem. The men who go to Nebuchadnezzar to inform him that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not complying with the king’s demand to worship his statue were not really worried about the king’s decree nor offended by the God of the Israelites. They were men of the court who wanted the positions of power held by Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Worshiping the statue was just a convenient excuse to remove them. In the end, it didn’t matter. God used the opportunity to bring the Israelite men where He needed them. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were trying to stay out of the way. They may have wondered why God allowed them to be called out and brought into the spotlight when they were trying to do the right thing quietly. What they may have perceived as God allowing a bad thing to happen actually brought them to the center of where God was working. He needed someone to be His representatives to the king and nation of Babylon. We need to be careful of how we interpret God’s actions in our lives. Sometimes what appears to be God allowing negative circumstances is actually God aligning us to what He is doing and inviting us to be part. This is often a bit intimidating. Put your trust in God. His plans are always bigger and better than you can imagine.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to always trust You, even when I don’t understand what You are doing. Let my faith be greater than my circumstances. Amen.
Devotional Quote
Here's what God wants. He wants you to look up. He wants you to trust him. ― Linda Evans Shepherd, When You Can't Find God
Quote of the Day
Tough times don't define you, they refine you. ― Carlos A. Rodriguez