Win-Win – Daniel 3:17-18 – Highway of Holiness

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”

Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, renamed in captivity to Shadrack, Meshach, and Abed-nego, were in a desperate situation as they stood before Nebuchadnezzar. Though facing excruciating death in the blazing furnace if they refused to bow before the king’s golden statue, these faithful men did not crumble in fear. They did not even accept the time the king gave them to consider their options, for they had long before resolved that they would serve the Lord and Him only. Threats and intimation could not shake their steadfast spirits. They responded immediately and without reserve that they could never bow before another god,[1] for they had set their eyes on the heavens and put their absolute trust in the King, who reigns over all created things. No, they could not, and they would not, bow. When Nebuchadnezzar tested their allegiance to God, though their faithfulness might cost them their lives, though the fire might consume them, they would not bow.

Their heroism would seem unfathomable if God’s Word did not give us understanding into what they must have felt. They knew they could not lose.[2] If the Lord saved them from the fire, they would praise His holy name, and continue to serve Him on earth. Should the Lord choose not to deliver them, He would gather them to Himself, and they would join with heaven’s chorus in singing hallelujah to the King of kings in the city of pure gold. They understood that they, though lowly slaves in exile before a mighty king, were more than conquerors, and though they did not know what course God would take, they entrusted their lives to Him, knowing that He would preserve them in His loving-kindness.[3]

Likewise, you cannot lose when you set your heart on God and resolve to put Him first. You can approach life’s challenges with the confidence of knowing you are in a win-win situation. When faced with a frightening trial, draw on the strength the Lord will give you just as He gave strength to these young men. Do not fear. Look beyond the fiery furnace to the faithful and righteous King of creation. Realize that you cannot lose since God is on your side, for what can a mere mortal do to you when our Mighty Savior is your Protector and Shield.[4]

In every circumstance, choose to honor the Lord, depending on His care, for He is an everlasting Rock to His beloved, and He, who will not be shaken, will not allow His children to lose.[5]

I cannot lose
When I turn my eyes
To eternity
To the lasting prize

All else counting
But for naught
In comparison
To the One I’ve sought

I cannot lose
When I stand assured
Fretting not about
What I’ve endured

For if in faith
I will remain
In righteousness
I’ll count as gain

The crown of life
In a holy place
Abundant joy
Unending grace

[1] Joshua 24:15

[2] Philippians 1:21

[3] Psalm 31:14-16

[4] Psalm 56:3-4

[5] Isaiah 26:4