March 24th, Wednesday, Fifth Week of Lent

Daniel 3: 14-20, 91-92, 95, Daniel 3: 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, John 8: 31-42

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are so strong in their faith and belief in their God that they allow themselves to be thrown into a fiery furnace without a fight rather than worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s god or idols. They walk out of the furnace unscathed. In addition, they are followed out by a fourth person that resembles the appearance of a messenger of God.

Idealistically, if put into that same situation, I would be allowed to be bound and thrown into that furnace and believe that Jesus would walk out beside me. Realistically, I am positive that there would be hesitation before that last step or a trip over my own two feet that would send me into the furnace. Plus, the concept that Jesus himself would be there to walk out with me is truly overwhelming.

We might not be faced with the proposition of worshiping other gods or idols. However, we can look at the decisions made on a daily basis and how we consciously or unconsciously use the confidence that we have in our faith in our actions and words:

• how we treat family, friends and strangers
• decisions made at work and treatment of co-workers
• guidance given to children

I hope that I have acted with the same level of confidence that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did in the past and that I will act with the confidence of my faith in the future.

Carrie Conlon, married to Dan.