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We are in Daniel Chapter 3 reading of that incident when three of Daniel’s close associates have been thrown in the fiery furnace – and miraculously they emerge unharmed. What can we learn from these three men?

They had been some years in Babylon and had stood for God and for godly principles – and there were challenging consequences.

1 - These three men had an insight into history – a deep understanding of God’s providential dealing with His creation. They knew how God had delivered His people out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses and Aaron.

They knew that whatever happened their lives were in the hands of God. No matter what the hand of Nebuchadnezzar was going to do – there was another hand – our God can deliver us – but if not – we will not bow.

They knew and trusted in the Providence of God – God provides.

2 – They were men of prayer – Daniel prayed three times a day – these three men were of a similar attitude and calibre. These men were of the same breed.

The real malady of the church today is ‘Prayer Paralysis’ – that is one main issue facing the church of Jesus Christ.

Nebuchadnezzar and his men may have been shouting – but they knew that sense of calm when they went to pray – a storm outside and peace within.

All through the book of Daniel there is the waft of the supernatural – once this incident was over can you imagine the conversations?

What do we talk about when the Service is over?

“I have fought the good fight – I have finished the race – I have kept the faith” – said Paul. If we do not keep the faith, it is unlikely that we will be able to fight the good fight, and finish the race.

3 – The unseen companionship – or the unseen presence – did we throw in three – no – that fourth figure looks like – a son of God.

Four were seen. That is what Nebuchadnezzar and his courtiers saw. Nebuchadnezzar cannot say more than that - and neither can we. There was someone from heaven in that furnace. We know the answer to these questions which the observers on the plains of Babylon could not know.

Nebuchadnezzar praised these men - and he praised their God - their God, not mine. He made a decree.

He is still in charge – still in control - still a despot - a tyrant.

If a million people do the wrong thing, that does not make it right.

Think of this situation in Daniel Chapter 3 - consider what was actually happening. Everybody in Babylon was doing it. It meant death if you didn't.

But neither peer pressure nor the threat of death could move these three young Hebrews. Our God is able to deliver us.

That is not stubbornness - that is integrity – loyalty – faithfulness. What would we do?

Remember - there have been many more times when God has not delivered His people from the flames. You need faith to die, as well as live. They yielded their bodies - and trusted God.

God can deliver us from the flames, and He can deliver us from our bodies.

1Peter 2verse 9 – We are part of a royal priesthood. Those who belong to Jesus Christ are part of a holy nation – a peculiar people, which means 'one of a kind'. We are not like other people. We have been called out of darkness into his wonderful light. When in Christ Jesus, you are one of a kind - called to bring glory to God - and to turn on the light wherever you go.

We do not need to have a consensus of opinion before making certain decisions.

We do not need to conduct a poll before obeying God. In the Bible, in most battles, God is on the side of the underdog! Stand for God, and you will discover that He is standing with you - and He is alongside you - supporting you.

Jeremiah knew what it was to stand for God alone - with so many people against him even wanting him to be quiet and not preach and prophesy as he was.

Think of Peter in court, and Paul on his travels. These men stood for God.

They were called to stand for God - they were anointed to stand for God - and because of their stand, their witness and their writings, we are able to receive from God through them today. They always had someone alongside.

Stand for God when it is hard - when it difficult - when it seems lonely - when you think you are the only one standing. You may think you are the only one at times - but you are not. Elijah discovered that.

“Lord our God – help us to stand – to stand with You and for You – no matter what challenges confront us. Help us to be disciples of Jesus with integrity and loyalty and faithfulness. Help us to prepare now – in prayer – and as we read and study the Scriptures. The day may come suddenly when it will be too late to start to prepare. Loving God, help us as we pray, in Jesus’ name.” Amen.

"Bible verse and quote" from Jan Couns

Bible and Quote - April 6-10