Daily Encouragement Day 182 – Daniel 3

Seeing himself as the head of gold in his dream in Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar erects a golden image and demands that all bow to it.  Daniel’s three friends had been appointed to positions of authority, and this image provides an occasion for their enemies to accuse them of disloyalty to the king because of their refusal to worship it.  When they respectfully decline the king’s urging to bow to the image, Nebuchadnezzar is furious and orders that they be burned alive in a superheated furnace.  The king is stunned when he sees them walking unharmed in the fire accompanied by an awesome being.  The persecution and preservation of Daniel’s friends illustrates the power of God to protect His people in times of tribulation.

READING of DANIEL 3

Prayer:

Lord, the example of these men who trusted You regardless of the outcome reminds me of my need to depend completely on Your character both in smooth and in troubled times.  May I honor You by putting no conditions on my trust. 

Meditation passage for today: verses 17-18, 28