| A Heavenly Treasure by David Rich, November 28, 2025
Ok, I know the title may be a bit of an overstatement. The Bible has powerful words and lessons on every page, but the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 literally transformed the way I pray and changed my overall outlook on life for the better.
I’ll give you the cliff notes. King Nebuchadnezzar ordered a gold statue to be built in the town square of Babylon. He then decreed that whenever the people were to hear a certain sound they were to immediately fall to their knees, wherever they were, and worship his gold creation. Anyone who did not follow this command would be cast into a burning fiery furnace. The people obeyed. All except Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego. When the word of their disobedience got back to the King, he ordered them be brought to him at once. The king grilled them as to why they were not following his commands. In no uncertain terms, their reply is resolute and unwavering, verse 17-18,
“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. BUT IF NOT, be it known unto thee, O king, we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.”
Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego were then tied up and cast into the fiery furnace. The fire in the furnace is described in verse 22 was so hot it killed the king’s men who opened the furnace door to throw them in. As the king watched on, he was astonished to see that not only were they not burning, but they were walking around the furnace unharmed. The king also saw a 4th man in the furnace that appeared to be like the Son of God (verse 25). The king set them free and was instantly changed, I would say saved. He then ordered a new decree that anyone who spoke against the God of Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego be punished. The chapter ends with the king promoting them among the people of Babylon.
So, what is it that changed my life? It’s the words, “But if not.” We pray all the time pleading and cajoling God to grant our requests. Nothing wrong with that. But what happens if we don’t pray for outcomes and just trust it all to God? What if what happens resembles nothing like what we had prayed? This is where the power of “But if not,” can help.
Whenever I pray, I always conclude my prayers with, “but if not, I will trust you and try to see your hand in the outcome.” It’s not only transformed my prayer life; it’s also made me a more content and happier person. Instead of feeling sorry for myself and my circumstances, I am instantly reminded to trust God in all things. Not just the things that make me happy. It’s easy to be happy and trust in God when everything is rosy. It’s when faced with adversity, like Meshach, Shadrach, and Abednego did, that our faith is put to the test. This is the same lesson and prayer that Jesus prayed before His death. In Luke 22:42 Jesus prayed, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Jesus prayed, “but if not.”
It’s not always easy to do. In fact, it’s often downright hard to do. It’s one thing to trust the outcome to God, it’s entirely another to ACCEPT the outcome, to be content with it. But I have found that if I keep repeating the powerful words of “but if not,” and reminding myself that it’s God’s Will that will be done, I can live through any pain. I can run and not grow weary and walk and not faint (a reference to a previous Heavenly Treasure on Isaiah 40:31 – click here to read).
I’ll end with another powerful passage from Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean NOT on your own understanding.”
Prayer:
Father, we are limited in what we can see and what we can understand. We can’t help but pray with cries of help and pleas for mercy. Please help us see Your hand in everything that happens. Help us remember, and gently remind us constantly, that if our prayers seem to go unanswered, it’s not our will but Yours that will be done. We pray for a life free from harm, our families to be healthy and safe, our needs met, our tummies full, and a life filled with love and joy, but if not, help us walk in the peaceful knowledge that you have a plan and are always on the throne.
AMEN!
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