“Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.”
"People talk! If they talked about Jesus, they will definitely talk about you, too!" These are words passed down from mother, and I'm sure many other mothers over the years. My mom always told me not to worry about what others have to say, as long as I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. But, if I'm being honest, it's really difficult to not worry about it. Sometimes, it feels like I have people around me that wake up with my name on their lips. It bothers me to hear gossip and senseless chatter every time I turn around. I don't expect everyone to like me, but it does sadden me when people judge me without even knowing me or have any real insight to my situation. Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever felt like you had a target on your back, but didn't know who all were aiming at you? Have you ever met someone who, no matter what you did, always seemed to have a problem with you? It can be hard to not meet petty with petty, especially when it’s so glorified these days. Thankfully, God cares about even that aspect of our lives and He shows us how do deal with this in the book of Daniel.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego has always been one of my favorites. Believe it or not, the story is very relatable. The story tells us about a king that commanded ALL within the sound of the musical instruments to bow down and worship the man-made idol or be thrown into a blazing furnace. Of course, everyone complied… except Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. After that, some men went running to king saying (and I paraphrase)… “King, aren’t you the one in charge? Did you not say that EVERYONE has to bow down and worship your greatness or be thrown in the furnace? Well, those three boys of yours deliberately disobeyed you and did not bow. They must think you’re playing with them!” Hearing this, the king was furious and ordered that the three boys be thrown in the furnace. Now first of all, I would have been like “King, you should be throwing your nosy men in the furnace, too. They must not have been worshiping too much if they saw what we were doing.” But God had a different plan. We all know the story. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fire, but the Holy Spirit showed up and protected them. After this, the king was so amazed that he ordered everyone to now worship the true God. He also gave all three boys promotions in the kingdom! Wow, look at God. All of this happened because someone else decided that they would be in somebody else’s business.
That was a very powerful lesson for me. Yes, people will talk. People will try to destroy your name. People will try to undermine you for sticking with Christ. Fine! Let ‘em talk. As we continue in this Women’s month, let us remember, just as God had a plan for the three Hebrew boys, he has a plan just for you. So when you feel like you are being attacked or others always have something to say about you, just remember the story of the three Hebrew boys and tell them… Run Tell That!
Heavenly Father, Help me to focus on you and not the words of those around me. Even in the face opposition, God I still choose you! In Your Son Jesus’ name! Amen
By: April Carter
