Fiery furnace. This is one of those Bible stories where children in my class sometimes asked, “Is this story real or make-believe?” It’s a legitimate question. So many of the stories in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, are amazing accounts of God’s power and protection for his people. This is one.

Perhaps it’s the same for you, but when I read accounts like this and the boldness of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego or the account of Daniel and the lion’s den, I’m struck with their courage. They had the choice to either deny the true God or face certain death in unimaginable ways. Would I be so bold, so brave?

Their courage is clear but there’s a bigger story here and it’s not about the three men who walked in and then out of the blazing fire. It’s about God. Those men made their choice because of God and who he is. God had shown them and his people for generation after generation that he loved them, he was with them, they were his own. Over and over God’s power was evident in the ways that he protected his people. God saved his people from a flood that covered the world. He parted the waters of the Red Sea. He brought down the walls of Jericho without a single weapon other than horns and shouting.

You and I might read today’s story and, like our children, ask if this could be true. Could someone really be that brave? The answer is yes. But the story is not about bravery. It’s about God. It’s about where their courage to stand up for what they believe came from. It’s about God’s relentless love for each of us.

We have times of fear as well. It will not likely be the potential of facing certain death. However, this side of heaven, we see things all around us that can lead to anxiousness and fear. The greatest fear we could ever have has been taken care of-we have peace with God through Jesus. We can face all other fears knowing we can rely on God who has given us his grace, forgiveness, and promise of heaven.

You and I have opportunities to simply tell those we know who God is, his love for them, his grace through Jesus. It’s not always easy but likely easier than Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had it. You’ve got the most amazing message in the history of the world tucked in your heart. Who needs to hear it? Who needs to sense the peace you have, even in difficult times, because of Jesus? Who needs you to simply say, Jesus loves you, he forgives you, he is your Savior?

A fiery furnace or den of lions is pretty unlikely. But the opportunities to share the joy and peace you have in Jesus are all around you. It’s not about you. It’s all about God. Trust him and then tell and tell. Then pray for the Holy Spirit’s blessing on your telling.