Daniel 3:16-18 “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. 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.”
When you read Daniel 3:1-20, I think it would be safe to say that the three Hebrew children are in a difficult situation. While we may not face the exact same difficulties, each of us is faced with trials and adversities that are associated with life. Speaking to His disciples, Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation” (John 16:33). In recent days, Glenda and I have found ourselves in trying times which included a tractor accident and a car wreck; all within a six week period. My activities have been greatly restricted; and it became necessary to spend a lot of time on the front porch having my daily devotions, and doing a lot of extra reading and studying. Through these events Glenda and I have sought God’s wisdom as to what we are to learn through these times! While there is much to be learned, I was given a thought concerning “The Faithfulness of God.”
As I was praying during my devotional time, I was thanking the Lord for His Faithfulness; it was then that the Holy Spirit spoke to my heart; “Do you know what the faithfulness of God is?” I will not insult you by putting you in the same spiritual class that I am, but I had to stop and take serious inventory! When I began to ponder my personal definition of “God’s Faithfulness” I discovered a flawed perception of God and His faithfulness. God’s faithfulness; the repetitive activity of God by which His meets my assumed need in accordance to my determined end and by my desired means! Is that not the perception of “God’s Faithfulness” that is held by the majority of those that profess Christ as Saviour? It is a perception that makes God the servant of men! I’m sick, but God was faithful, He touched me like He did last time. I’m in a financial dilemma, God’s faithful, the church paid the bill. Surgery or a second job in our way of thinking is by no means, God’s way of being faithful! Samuel prayed for the rebellious King Saul and God told him to stop, he had been rejected and his kingdom given to another. David prayed for the life of the child conceived in sin and God said no! Paul prayed for the removal of the thorn and God said it’s a gift! According to my perverted view of God’s faithfulness, God proved to be unfaithful to Samuel, David, and Paul. If God doesn’t repetitively do what I think He ought to do by the means and according to the manner I deem it necessary, then God’s not faithful!
The three Hebrew children had the scriptural view of God’s faithfulness; “Whether it be by means of physical deliverance or personal death; God will prove Himself to be faithful to handle this situation for our good and His maximum glory! There are numerous aspects of His faithfulness, but I want to magnify three. When it comes to the faithfulness of God, you can rest assured that He will be faithful to His Character, “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6). While circumstances may have a way of dictating the manner in which you respond, it is the consistent, matchless character of God that has and will forever prove Him to be faithful in His response. As you ponder your situation, is the desired outcome for which you pray one that would soil, tarnish, or undermined the character of God? If so, you are praying in vain! God will not sin against Himself to satisfy you!
He is faithful to His Covenant, “For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). Whether it is the salvation of the sinner or the supply of the saint, the basis of God’s activity in response to man rests upon the Word of God! I remember reading a book on prayer some years ago in which the author said that the best way to get your prayers answered was to “Pray the Scriptures.” God has and will forever honor His Word; “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:16). When a person’s placed his need on the foundation of the Word, purified by the precepts of the Word and offered in the authority of the Living Word (in Jesus name), the recourses of heaven are at your disposal!
He is faithful to His Compassion, “for God is love” (I John 4:8). The principle that dictates His faithfulness is His character, the perimeters that define His faithfulness are His covenant, and the power that demonstrates His faithfulness is His compassion! God’s faithfulness isn’t linked to the habits of the recipient, but rather to the heart of the Reigning Lord. While the legalist response would be tainted by the demands of the law; the Lord’s response will be tempered by the depths of love!
While you may not know the particulars as to how, you can rest in total confidence as to the principles; God’s faithfulness will always be in accordance to His Character, His Covenant, and His Compassion! God’s faithfulness is timely and repetitive, but not necessarily is it a duplicate manner, by which He responds to the needs of His children while remaining true to the principles and purity of His character, His covenant, and His compassion. It is a means where by God can serve His children and remain their Sovereign!
Be it known unto all men, God is forever faithful!