We read the stories of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, of Daniel, of the men who spied out the Promised Land (and even of Peter and Paul) and wonder what we would do if we were in their shoes. Those of us who enjoy freedom of religion are very thankful that we will probably never be put to the test.
We think this way because we read the Scriptures only as historical accounts of God’s people.
What we fail to realize is that every story is our story —even when we are unaware of it. Every time I make a decision to believe the promises of God (which Paul tells us are yea
and Amen
—2Corinthians 1:20) rather than the wisdom of this world (which is foolishness in the eyes of God —1Corinthians 3:19), I am immediately face to face with my fears (the Nebuchadnezzars or the other giants
of Scripture) which are threatening my very life. This is equally true in every area of our lives —physical, financial, mental, social. I may not be facing the same giants
that you are, but all of us do face them. The moment you decide to believe anything promised by God, every conscious and subconscious fear you retain in that area immediately asserts itself.