firstly, we must consider their confidence (verses 16, 17)
a) do you understand the magnitude of this statement? do you understand what could have happened?
for example
1) it would be like one of use being taken to the top of the CN tower and told you would be thrown down if you didn't worship some other god. well, now really think....what would you do in that situation? wouldn't you loose almost all your own confidence and just do what you were told?
2) another example, what if someone held you at gunpoint and said to you "bow before my god or i will blow your head off! well you know, this isn't unrealistic, it has happened. so what would you have done? would you have confidence in your own choices and decision? would you be confident?
3) last example/thought; do you really believe that GOD could super vent the natural lawas to protect you? well in all honesty, who do you think GOD is? remember, if you have GOD on your side, who are you to fear? maybe the consequences of your decision may have negetive outcomes on earth, what about in heaven? so know that GOD is an all powerful GOD, would you still have confidence? why wouldn't you if GOD is with you?
b)When I read this story, I can't help but ask the question, "How confident am I in my Lord?" seriously. thinking about it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were really confident and because of this, they were confident that GOD would do whatever he knew was the best. Confidence, trust and relationship fall with all of this. We all know what the Lord is capable of. If you trust HIM, if you are confident in HIM, you will have a stronger relationship with HIM.
c) let's face it folks! We don't have the confidence level in Christ that we need.
1) When we have a little trouble in our lives....what is our instinct? It's to WHINE!!! yes...the big 5 letter word that can cause super annoyance
2) but altogether, maybe i should speak for MYSELF. who will be willing to admit that they are a WHINER?!?!? come'on, just admit it, we all are; one way or the other. (you know, we should all just join the whiner's club, no no, not WINE...WHINE with the five letters. ) for instance, how many of you, the first thing you do when your faith is tested is whine? that's my first instinct, and i admit it. it may not be right, but Di do this.
3) it is too easy for me to forget what GOD can do. I often feel like the person who said, "I belive, Lord, but help my unblief." At many times, i know what is right, and what is best and what i should do, but due to my uncertainty, it takes too much strength and effort to do what i know i should. i try, and i fail. why? because i lack confidence and my disbelief conquers over me.
4) every once in awhile GOD does something in my life to remind me that he really is GOD! But most of the time, He does what HE does DESPITE my unbelief. Whether or not i belief and make the right decision, everything still happens. time doesn't just stop. he reassures me that HE is still there. Even though i know this, it's a feeling that comes back and is refreshing.