Day 3 Daniel Fast 12 Day Devotional
DAY 3: Even If Not
READING: Daniel 3
KEY VERSE
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.
- Daniel 3:17-18
“I’m good either way.” You might have made this casual statement when debating where to go for dinner or what movie to watch.
Meaning, I’m equally content whatever the outcome. I can be happy even if I don’t get my first choice.
Could you talk about life or death with such determined confidence? The three men in Daniel chapter 3 must have a vivid revelation of heaven and understanding of God’s character and love to operate with this level of peace!
Peter had some highs and lows in this regard. He boldly got out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus, but when he saw the wind he was frightened and began sinking. Jesus’ answer was: faith and not doubt (see Mat 14:30-31).
Peter had a revelation that Jesus was, “the Christ, the Son of the living God”. Jesus blesses Peter and commits to use him to build his Church, but several verses later he has to reprimand him for looking towards man’s interests rather than God’s (see Mat 16:16-23).
When you’re focused on Christ, you are not threatened by consequences of men but you are motivated by the kingdom of God. Peter loved the Lord, but when he looked at frightening circumstances and thought he could control situations to avoid pain and hardship, his focus shifted in the wrong direction.
Can you truly say, “I’m good either way as long as I’m in God’s will” when you’re faced with challenges, hardship, and potential pain?
ADDITIONAL READING
Esther 4:16
John 16:33
Philippians 1:21-24
QUESTIONS
Do you attempt to control challenging circumstances to play it safe and avoid potential pain or hardship?
How confident are you that temporary pain is tolerable because of your faith in God’s plan for your future?
How do you reconcile the fact that we are guaranteed to undergo trials and challenging times without becoming pessimistic or cynical?
