“My God can. My God is able. But even if He doesn’t, I will still serve Him.”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were facing the flames when King Nebuchadnezzar gave them one last chance to bow before him. When they refused to obey the king and worship him, they knew their punishment would be death. The king heated the fire 7x stronger than usual and brought out his strongest guards to bind and throw the 3 men into the fire. The fire was so strong that the heat radiating from the flames killed the men that threw them in. It would take a miracle to save these men of God.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t,we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18
They risked their lives willingly for the glory of God. As they faced the king and admitted their disobedience, they basically said “Our God can rescue us. Our God is able to rescue us. But even if He doesn’t, we will still serve Him.”
As the story goes on, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fire for disobeying the king. But the story doesn’t end there…
“But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god”
“ Then Nebuchadnezzar came as close as he could to the door of the flaming furnace and shouted: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here! So Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stepped out of the fire. Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!” Daniel 3:24-27
God rescued Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the depths of a fire. The scripture even states that “they didn’t even smell like smoke” when they came out. Have you ever stood beside a fire? Even standing near a fire can make you smell like smoke, but these guys walked out of the flames without a scent of smoke. Their faith saved them from their darkest moment.
After seeing the men walk out of the fire, “King Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.” Daniel 3:28 Through the fire God showed His power.
When was the last time you prayed to God and said something like this, “Lord, I know you are able to heal my family member, but even if you don’t, I will still love You.”
Saying it now may seem easy, but what if your parent or closest friend became very sick, would you be able to pray that prayer? Would you be able to confidently say “even if you don’t heal my friend, I will still love you?”
The “even if” part of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s story is my favorite part. They knew that they were facing a horrific death, being thrown into a fire, by refusing to worship the king. But they also knew their God could save them if it be His will. They were willing to risk their lives for what they believed in. When they were given a final chance to bow before the king, I can imagine their hearts racing as they stood up for God and said ““Our God can rescue us. Our God is able to rescue us. But even if He doesn’t, we will still serve Him.” (Daniel 3:17-18)
Their faith was with them until the end and in the end the end their faith was rewarded when God rescued them from the fire.
How strong is your faith in comparison to Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s? Would you be willing to lay down your life for God?
As you pray throughout the week I want you to remember this story and the “even if” moment that changed the lives of so many.
Here are a few of my hardest “even if” prayers that I’ve prayed in my life.
My God can. My God is able. But…
Even if He doesn’t bless me with a child, I’ll still worship Him.
Even if He doesn’t heal my brokenness, I’ll still worship Him.
Even if He doesn’t cure my friend’s little girl of cancer, I’ll still worship Him.
Even if He doesn’t change my friend’s heart and turn her back to God, I’ll still worship Him.
What’s your even if _________ that you need to fill in today? Cry out to God today and let Him know that no matter what His will may be, you will still worship Him.
Love you and praying for you all!
May God bless you and show you His grace every day! –Kayla Rampey
******EXCITING NEWS******
THE EMPOWERED JESUS GIRL TEEN CONFERENCE
IS GOING VIRTUAL!
We invite you, if you are able, to get your girls together for a great night of praise of worship! Host a small group with your youth, create a zoom meeting, or just watch with your family. However you are able, we encourage you to join us in worship!
Join us virtually for Empowered Jesus Girl 2021 on
Friday, February 26th at 7pm
The conference will be livestreamed on the East Pickens Baptist Church YouTube Channel as well as on Facebook! Can’t find us? On the night of the event, go to YouTube and search East Pickens Baptist Church for the latest video. You’ll see our video at the top. Click to join! We will start the livestream a few minutes before 7pm to give everyone time to join!
Be sure to send us your pictures watching the event for a chance to win a grand prize! Email pictures to Kayla@EmpoweredJesusGirl.com or post them in the comments under the conference video on Facebook! The winner will be announced on Mon. March 1st!
Click the link below to view the East Pickens Baptist Church YouTube channel. If you have questions prior to the conference, email me at Kayla@EmpoweredJesusGirl.com
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXZVMKohBvMx67AaOayT1ig
*The Empowered Jesus Girl Teen conference is for teen girls 5th-12th grade. Speaker/Author, Kayla Rampey, will be speaking on “Salvation through Isolation” finding God when He seems nowhere near. During different times, it’s important that we remember that we are never alone. God is always with you! Join us as we praise Him for being by our side! Praying for you!
I can’t wait to see what God has in store for this exciting event!
Please join us in prayer as we pray for the ministry team as we prepare for the event and guests that will be viewing online. We pray that God will touch lives and encourage all those in need! Thanks again!
We’ll see you soon!
-Empowered Jesus Girl Team