Text: Daniel 3:16-18 KJV

Further Reading: Daniel 3:1-30

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed–nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

Daniel 3:16-18

MESSAGE

After every victory a child of God obtains, the devil looks for ways to strike back and put him down. What the devil goes after is the faith of this dear saint of God. The more reason why we must be on the watch even when we are having the mountain top experience. We can not afford to let down our guard.

In the previous chapter before the incidence recorded in our text of the day, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had just been recommended by Daniel for promotion. Everything must be going well for these young men until suddenly the enemy began an evil plot against them.

These three boys have had previous valley experiences and have trusted God. From their first decision not to defile themselves (Daniel 1:8) to the time they almost got killed with all the wise men of Babylon. At each instance, God brought them to the mountain top.

In our text of the day, the devil the adversary of God’s children was all out to destroy these three Hebrew men. The devil sticking to his mission statement; which is to steal, kill, and destroy is ready to deal the final blow. Death is the ultimate for the devil, but in Christ we have life.

All of God’s children who are being threatened by the devil only need to know what Jesus has done for us that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. (Hebrews 2:14‭-‬15)

Therefore fear not, have faith in God. The three Hebrew men were now in their greatest valley, it’s either they bow to the idol or die. It was a dangerous plot – whenever the devil cannot get a child of God to sin against God, he sets him up. He puts him in a position to compromise his faith.

Child of God, are you also in a similar situation, the enemy had sealed the deal, and you are in between two opinions – stick to God, He will never fail you. Listen to the response of these men to the king, “we will not bow down to your idols, our God can save us, and even if He chose not, we will see Him glory”. What a daring faith in the face of death.

There is a fear defying faith that brings victory in the valley

Note

Are you in the valley of compromise, your job or your God, as a female student on campus, will you lose your purity for grades or stick to God, will you rather fail the course than fail your God? Notice, God never fails! Whatever it is that will make you lose the presence of God is momentary, do not substitute it for your eternity.

The best opportunity to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints is in the valley. We may have to go through the fire, but even in the fire, our God whom we trust shall deliver us. These young men would not be intimidated, they serve a mighty God and they would not bow to a dumb idol.

God honoured their faith and brought them from the valley to the zenith. He promoted them, and the name of God was glorified. Promotion comes after the valley experience, especially when we stand firm in faith.

Don’t allow the enemy to threaten you, remember God is with you even in the valley, however low you have reached, God is there not only to help you but also to take you higher than you ever dreamt of.

Trust in God while going through the valley. Always remember that those who trust in God are like Mount Zion which cannot be removed but abides forever.

REFLECTION

And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

Daniel 11:32

Do you know your God? If you do, He will keep you strong in the valley and help you to stand firm by faith. May you not sink in your valley in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

God bless you and have a great day.