Read Daniel 3:1-30

What they did not see were the details.

O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand . . . (Daniel 3:16-17)

Their fear of God led to their unafraid declaration to the king of the land. Because Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego stood firm on what they hoped for, they were able to walk, unafraid, right through the furious flames of a furnace.

Their God-fearing faith made them conquer flames and quench fury.

We find fury throughout this story of three men’s unafraid.  Their refusal to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar’s huge trophy made him furious (v13).  Later, their immovable stance filled the king with such fury that his entire countenance changed (v19).  And then there is the fire.  The flames so furious they killed any and all who even came close.  Any and all, that is, but our three heroes of faith.

Dropped into a raging fire because of a tyrant’s raging jealousy, these three knew that God would take care of them.  They knew He would come to their rescue, whether on this side of eternity or the other.  And so they stood unafraid, unwilling to forsake the God they served.

But even if he does not . . . we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up (v18).

Because they knew that their God was the only One worth fearing.

I wonder if their unafraid wavered when King Nebuchadnezzar ordered the furnace seven times hotter.  I wonder if their stomachs turned a little bit when they were tied up.  Did they wonder why God had not rescued them from the heat?

I don’t know.  I do know this, however: Shadrach’s, Meshach’s and Abednego’s unafraid ended in two miracles such as one cannot dispute. First, they remained untouched by the fury of the flames. Secondly, King Nebuchadnezzar praised the One True God because of it.

Even as they fell into the furious flames, the God they feared met them inside. He rescued them from the fury and then used them to quench it.

Unafraid faith extinguishes fires of all kinds.  Sure, it might enrage the fury of some.  But faith that chooses to see like God sees quenches the fury inside that terrifies us and make us want to run the other way.  When we live with certainty of what we do not see, we live unafraid. And God meets us there.

*I’ve written a short e-book on living unafraid. A manifesto, if you will. And I would love for you to read it, to find the challenge to really live. Unafraid. I am offering it for free to people who subscribe to my personal blog (www.BriannaRWasson.com). I would love for you join me there. You can get it here right, too. Just click here for the download. Then start living. Unafraid.

brw