~ written by Connie Dunmyer
I love the definition and meaning of people’s names. I marvel at how closely people live up to their name. My name means Faithful, Loyal, even Stubborn – which I am. But I wonder how faithful, just how stubbornly faithful, would I have been had I lived in the time of Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego.
My thoughts today surround the book of Daniel chapter 3. You may want to read it before continuing.
The first thing I notice is:
- Even though the king actually fell prostrate before Daniel, and gave honor to God (see the end of chapter 2 right after Daniel was saved from the lion), by the beginning of chapter 3, Nebuchadnezzar became prideful again and “forgot” the God of Daniel… so much so that he...
- made the image to be worshipped, and
- had everyone bow to it as though he was a “god”,
- but also, when reminded of the God of Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, & Azariah (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) – he became furious “and his attitude towards them changed”.
There’s a difference between the praise we give for a miracle and a personal relationship with the God of the Universe. The difference between “the gift” and “The Giver”.
How many times has this happened to me… when I see a miracle, and I praise God for that miracle – even fall prostrate in amazement and thankfulness. But then “I forget”. Have I worshipped the “gift” rather than God? Is that why so much of the time I've whined and complained rather than lived in faith?
- I also notice that Daniel was not a part of this. I wonder why? Did it all happen so quickly, that Daniel didn’t even know about it as it was happening? Or did someone tell him, and he immediately went into prayer… thus being a part of the miracle? And why were only the 3 singled out? Perhaps because of pure jealousies that they had been promoted (see chapter 2). Were all other Jews ignored because they did not hold positions of power? Or did they give in to the command?
I have no answers to this. Scripture does not say. But again, I wonder – would my stubbornness have borne out? Would I have accepted the flames as my fate? Or would I have felt abandoned by the Father, thinking He forgot about me?
- Then I notice one of the greatest scriptures in the whole Bible – and one which should be my life scripture:
Daniel 3:16-18
16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. [NIV]
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. [KJV]
When I first read this in NIV, I thought of Jesus, not defending himself against Pilate. Clearly He could have. But there was a sacrifice that lay before him. So why would he? And then I also wonder if that’s how I should treat ‘threats’ that come my way. Maybe I don’t have to “speak up” every time.
But then I read the KJV, which has a slightly different connotation. It’s like: "I don’t even have to think about it. I can answer right now and not even look for the right words because it’s so clear and plain in my life and heart."
Matthew 10:19-20
19 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, 20 for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. [NIV]
19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. 20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. [KJV]
The connection here seems to be we simply need to do what’s right, not worry about “defending” our actions, and trust that should the day ever come when we are asked, God will answer for us. Which IS like Jesus too, in that there was nothing TO say, because sacrifice had to take place. And sometimes, that will be the case for me too. These children of Israel weren’t running around saying “you should do this or that” – they simply did what was right. They didn’t come up with excuses, or flowery words to the king. They didn’t accuse others. Nor did they even give a reason for why they didn’t bow down!!
In this day and age, we all tend to think we have to explain everything. That somehow I need to tell everyone what they’re doing wrong, and why what “I” am doing is right. Perhaps faith says, “just do what’s right and allow God to handle the consequences and everyone else.”
- But these 3 did not stay completely silent. They may not have given a reason, per se. But they expressed their faith perfectly. May I be so faithfully stubborn.
17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
I can live a quiet and peaceful life, as much as lies within me. There are times when I don’t need to speak, even if I’m right. BUT I believe, God WILL give me – will give each of us – a line to draw in the sand. And to live by that, or not. To be faithful, or not. Physical life is not usually at stake, but I wonder how often spiritual life is, simply because we want to be liked and/or don’t want to make waves.
- Finally … the last thing I notice (and I really love this) … is how God doesn’t give “half miracles”.
- I mean it would’ve been enough for the three to not die.
- It would’ve been more than enough to see Jesus in the fire with them.
- But to go so far as to not have them burned even a little bit, not singed, AND NO SMELL OF SMOKE.
This fire may have been lit by the earthly king. But this fire and its purpose were created by THE Heavenly King. This was God’s refining fire, and He controls it yet today.
I have gone through fires. Going through a doozy right now. Perhaps I’ve come out thinking I was burned. But when God opens my eyes to the truth, I can see that I was not burned by that fire. In fact, I don’t even smell of smoke. No matter what happens, I am not damaged goods. I am not “less than”. There is purpose in the fire. There is hope in the fire. There are miracles in the fire. There is Jesus in the fire!
The question is, will I be faithful, loyal and stubborn in the fire – in His refining fire.
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© 2026: Connie F. Dunmyer, All Rights Reserved.