Day 8: Boldness

What do we do when we are faced with an adversity that is fueled by fear and backed by the majority? Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were faced with a situation where if they did not worship King Nebuchadnezzar, they would be thrown into a fiery furnace. They chose to respond with a boldness that would honor the God that they served. When they were thrown into the fire, a mysterious fourth man was seen with them. When the king saw this, he told them to come out, and they walked out without a mark on their bodies. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego knew that they did not need to defend themselves, because they had a holy confidence in the Lord. But even if God did not rescue them, they still resolved not to worship any idols. And how did God respond? He showed up in the midst of the fiery furnace! God stood with them and protected them before the eyes of the king.  

How could they possess such confidence and boldness? Were they prepared for this moment? Well, the evidence begins in the first chapter with their unwillingness to waiver when put to the test. Each step of obedience led to greater faith and trust in God towards the next crossroad. So, when your time of testing comes, will you remain faithful, or will you bend?

Reflection Questions:

1. What does it look like for you to boldly live counter-culturally? 

Written by Pastor Lyle Tard, Campus Pastor and Michelle Cody, Groups Director at National Community Church.