Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have not need to present a defense to you in the matter. If our God whom we serve is able is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up."

Daniel 3:16-18

Many of us remember the story. We have all been taught to love God in spite of our circumstances. Loving God is easy when He grants our requests and provides what we desire. Loving Him in difficult circumstances tests our faith.

There is a lesson in this for all of us. God is all-powerful. He is able to deliver us from all of our problems. But He does not always deliver us from our difficulties. We may not fully comprehend God’s purpose in our difficulty and suffering, but we must not cease to love Him. We must trust Him and place our hope with Him. He will deliver us, in His time, and in His way, always.

Genuine faith stays strong

when deliverance seems distant.

Our Daily Bread – October 4, 2004