WIN / WIN

Dan 3:16-18
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." –NIV

We all know the story. Nebuchadnezzar has demanded that everyone bow down and worship the image of gold he has set up. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego flatly refuse. Things went from bad to worse. The furnace is heated up seven times hotter than normal and then the gauntlet is laid down – worship or burn.

How can this be a win / win situation?

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s priority wasn’t their circumstances but their faith. Regardless of circumstances, whether good or bad, their determination was to honor, love and serve God. If that meant being delivered from the fire...wonderful, but if it meant being thrown into the flames, then so be it. Either way these young men had made up their mind what the priority of their lives would be…honoring God. Nothing or no one could take that away from them. No matter what, they could not lose. Miraculously delivered…we will declare the power of our God. Thrown in the furnace…we will testify to the faithfulness of our God. Either way…Win / Win.

Paul states it this way to the Philippians…
Phil 4:12-13
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through him who gives me strength.

I encourage you today as a believer to remember that your priority is to honor God. Nothing or no one can keep you from that so no matter what you face today, miraculous deliverance or a burning furnace, remember its WIN / WIN!

Blessings,
Darren