Based on “When Life Gets Turned Upside Down” by Pastor Dean Corns; 5/22-23/10,
Message #DC132; Daily Devotional #4 - “Storybook Ending”
Preparing the Soil (Introduction): There are many graduations this time of year. I remember the excitement as my graduation day approached and the thoughts of a new life becoming closer to reality. So many ideas of what would come next and how things would transpire. Graduation marks the end of an achievement and ushers us into a new chapter in our lives. For some, higher education is the goal, while for others there is a more personal focus. Whichever direction you head, you can look back and remember where you came from and look forward to the other new beginnings that will come. Some are planned, and some are unexpected. Good or bad, life always keeps moving ahead, and there will be an ending to everyone’s story.
Planting and Watering the Seed (Growth): In 606 BC, there were four young, God-fearing men whose plans probably did not include a trip to Babylon. They were deported from Judah to serve in the court of King Nebuchadnezzar, who showered them with palace luxuries while they studied for three years under his control. The criteria to be appointed for this exclusive provision were their knowledge, wisdom, and ability to learn, which greatly pleased the king. Eventually, all four were promoted to overseers of the Babylonian region. Life was good. A time came when the king made a gold statue that everyone was commanded to worship at the sound of music, and those who refused were thrown into a burning oven. When it was discovered that these Jews did not bow before the idol, three of them were called before the angry king. He gave them another opportunity to worship, reminding them of their fate for refusing, and asked, …Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand? (Daniel 3:15). The three men replied, "…O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 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. (Daniel 3:16-17). And they went on to say boldly that they would not serve any man-made images, only the Almighty God who promised never to leave or forsake them. True to his word, the king had them bound and thrown into the fiery furnace, at seven times the usual temperature. Life was not looking too good. As the king burned with anger, the three Jews were fired up by the presence of God. They were called out of the pit and examined by the king, who found no wounds, no marks on their clothes, and not even the smell of smoke on them (Daniel 3:27). Despite the outward appearance of the situation, these boys put their faith to action. And in doing so, God not only spared their lives but used a bad situation for their good and His glory. The trial came and their faith was tested and proven to be far more valuable than any of the king’s riches. And what is faith? It is believing that what we cannot see really exists (Hebrews 11:1). The Old Testament saints had faith that delivered them, but there was a better promise. The New Covenant gave the opportunity to have Jesus come live in the hearts of anyone who would believe that He did what He said (Hebrews 11:39-40). And with His shed blood and broken body came our storybook ending. Hallelujah to the Lamb of God!
Harvesting the Crop (Action/Response): Many a person has asked, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Scripture says that no one is exempt from adversity. God does not show favoritism (Romans 2:11), but He does work all things together for good to those who love and obey Him (Romans 8:28). We are all moving from one chapter in our lives to another. Some are short, some are long, some are joyful, and some are discouraging, but we all have a final chapter. We often wonder what lies ahead, but for those who follow the Lord there will be a storybook ending—eternity in Heaven. An inheritance awaits us there; one with an endless supply. There will be times where we find ourselves in the middle of a fiery trial; and by all appearances a good ending seems impossible. But, …These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. (1 Peter 1:7). When life is good it is not by accident or coincidence. God gives all good things to us, and everything He does is good. He is at work all the time, and “…No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9). The best is yet to come.
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Reflect on the steps that brought you where you are today. In every situation, God faithfully protects and delivers us. Give Him thanks for who He is.
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What new beginnings are you excited about?
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Are you fired up to know that God is always at work, even in the fiery furnace?
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Would you stand firm in your faith against those who oppose it?
Cultivating (Additional Reading): Matthew 5:44-45; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 15:55-58
KYR
Calvary Chapel of Melbourne; 2955 Minton Road; W. Melbourne, FL 32904; 321-952-9673
All Bible references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted.