Day 262

Faith and Courage

Read: Daniel 3-4

True faith produces courage. If we really believe that God will take care of us, we need not be afraid. The story of the three friends of Daniel is given to us as an example of that truth.

Nebuchadnezzar built a 90-foot image of gold. Calling all government officials to him, he demanded that they bow before it. If not, they would be thrown into the fiery furnace. The three friends of Daniel refused to do so. Their reply is noteworthy. They said that they knew their God had the power to deliver them and they believed he would. But even if he didn’t, they would remain faithful to him, though it meant death. They not only remained alive within the flames, but were joined by One who was “like a son of the gods” (3:25).

Later the king had another dream, that a tree would be cut down and its stump would suffer. Daniel explained that this meant the king would become insane and be cast out into the fields. He counseled the king to repent with the hope that this would stall off the fulfillment of the dream. But one day the king looked over the skyline of Babylon and was filled with pride that he was the builder of so great a city. Immediately he became insane, and was cast out into the fields. When he recovered, he gave God the glory. The lesson for us is that the Sovereign Ruler of heaven and earth is our God, so what have we to fear?

PRAYER
Father, strengthen our faith so that we will have courage when we face difficulties. In Jesus’ name. Amen.