Furnace Friends

For about a year now, I have been praying for Christian friends for my kids. Specifically I have been praying for friendships like that of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Not familiar with their story? Let me recap:

Way back in 605 BC, the Jews were exiled from Jerusalem to Babylon. They were taken from their homeland to a land that was not their own and one that was not of God. They were now under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. The king had a 9 foot statue of gold erected and issued a decree that all people would worship it or face the fiery furnace. During the dedication of the statue these three friends refused to bow and the king was notified. They were given another chance to bow or face certain death. They chose to stand for God. So they were thrown in the furnace which the king ordered be heated to 7 times higher than normal. This heat was so intense that it killed some of the guards as they place these three inside. Surely Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego perished, right? No! When the king saw that they were walking around inside and even saw that there was a fourth man inside (an angel) he brought them out and declared that surely their God was one of divine power and then issued a decree that only the true God should be served!

I love this account of their lives! What power God has!

So why do I pray this for my kids? Because surely the atmosphere of this world and their school is hard for them to navigate. Everywhere they turn there is opportunity to "bow" to things that are not of God. My kids love God and want to serve him and they have made good choices thus far, but they also have been going it pretty much alone this last year in their new schools and it's been hard for them... they maybe even felt exiled. I have been praying for godly friends for them, like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, to be brought their way because in those relationships there is strength- strength to stand together in the toughest of times for things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy! And therefore bring glory to God!

And you know what? I am seeing God answer this prayer... he is bringing them Christian friends... it has taken time, but it is happening.

Lessons learned through this: God cares about every aspect of our lives. Godly relationships matter. God wants us to succeed for His glory. God answers prayer!