SATURDAY STROLL

Welcome to "SATURDAY STROLL!"

In these posts I will be interacting with Scripture – making it a conversational walk of faith.

Sometimes we'll be talking with Jesus, sometimes God will be talking with us.

There might even be *guest appearances* by some of our beloved characters from the Bible!

So put on your walking shoes – you know we can all use the exercise!

Dear Friends,

Ever been really, really scared?

Well, let us tell you about a time when we were frightened.

Yes, terrified.

But then God performed a miracle.

We were in exile in a foreign country – and mighty (at least in his eyes, mind you) King Nebuchadnezzar decided to erect a gold statue. It was huge! Ninety feet tall and nine feet wide.

Then he issued a rather ridiculous command:

"People of all races and nations and languages, listen to the king's command! Bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar's gold statue."

Of course, my friends and I, being Jews, refused to do that. We will only worship the One and True God.

Well, let's just say that didn't sit well with ol' King Nebuchadnezzar.

(We got "ratted out" by some tattle-tale astrologers).

He dragged us in to appear before him, and gave us one more chance to bow down and worship the statue.

And then he told us the consequences if we didn't.

A blazing furnace.

He left us with this taunting retort:

"And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?"

Well, let me tell you – we were scared, yes. But then, an inner strength boiled up inside of us. A supernatural spirit of power and confidence overtook us. We felt bold and courageous and firm in our convictions.

And we said to King Nebuchadnezzar:

"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."

You should have seen the king's beet-red face!

And then we said:

"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."

(Oh boy, was he furious then! We never knew that anger could distort a man's face that way!)

Yes, we were thrown into the blazing furnace – and yes, we were terrified. And yet, at the same time, we were comforted by the sure knowledge that God COULD save us, and would, if that was His will.

But even if He didn't, we still trusted Him completely.

We survived – a miracle performed by the fourth person in the fire with us.

So, believers of the 21st century, you serve the same God. Have faith in His ability to rescue you, to deliver you from difficulties and struggles. BUT, even if He doesn't, trust in His faithful promise to work ALL things together for good.

He alone is worthy of our worship – He alone is the steward of our souls.

Fear not.

Be courageous.

Stand firm.

Warmly,

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

"When you walk through the fire…you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the LORD, your God…" (Isaiah 43:2, 3)

"Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him…" (Job 13:15, NIV)

(Selection today from Daniel 3)

BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"