This week we’re studying the topic Bold Believing in the Face of Opposition.

Yesterday we saw how Israel was called to believe when they were outnumbered. Today, we move to another moment of great courage—believing in the fire.

What do you say when the flames rise and the outcome is unclear? It’s easy to declare our believing when deliverance seems near—but bold believing speaks with conviction, even when the result is uncertain and yet out of our sight.

Before we read today’s Scripture from the Book of Daniel, let’s remember the setting. The Babylonian Empire had conquered Jerusalem, and among the captives taken to Babylon were the young men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who were trained to serve in the king’s court. When King Nebuchadnezzar erected a massive golden image and commanded all people to worship it, these three men refused, choosing instead to obey the one true God. Their refusal led to a death sentence by fiery furnace.

In Daniel 3, the three young boldly declare their confidence in God when the outcome still was uncertain.

Scripture:

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 3:17–18 (KJV)