DEVOTIONALS #5

Sticking with teammates through hard times- Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego

Daniel 3:16- 30

King Nebuchadnezzar made a huge stature of gold for the people to worship.  Whenever the sound of the horn and all kinds of music was heard, everyone was expected to bow down and worship the statue.  Three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were believers in God and refused to bow down to the golden image.  When King Nebuchadnezzar found out, he was furious and demanded that those men be thrown into a blazing furnace.

When Shadrach, Meschach and Abenego heard of this punishment, they were still faithful and said, "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from the King's hand.  But even if he doesn't, we want you to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up". 

So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were tied up and thrown into the fire.  After a few minutes, the King noticed there were 4 people walking around in the fire.  He approached the entrance and yelled for them to come out.  He noticed that fire had not harmed their bodies, their hair or even their clothing.  There was not even the smell of smoke on them.

As a result, King Nebuchadnezzar and the people praised their God.  All three men were then promoted to higher leadership because of their faithfulness.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS/THOUGHTS

1. Why is it important to stick together as a team through good times and bad times?
2. Who has a comeback story?  A time when your team was down by a lot of points but you stuck together and came back to win.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The unity of a team is a special bond.

Even if you are losing or discouraged, it’s important to encourage each other.  Have fun and trust God that he can use every situation for good.