Daniel 1–7: Lesson 144
Daniel 3
“Our God … Is Able to Deliver Us. … But If Not”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Sometimes the Lord might miraculously deliver us from our trials. Other times, He might not deliver us in the way, or with the timing, we hope. Either way, we can strive to be like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego and trust in the Lord, regardless of how and when He chooses to bless us. This lesson can help you feel a desire to trust in Jesus Christ regardless of the outcome.
Study the Scriptures
Consider the following situation:
I was 10 years old when my mother announced I’d be getting a younger brother. I was elated and began counting down to her October 31 due date. Then complications arose. My mother went into labor early, and my brother was born on June 16, four and a half months premature. Doctors initially stabilized him, but after fighting for 10 days, he passed away.
I knew families could be together forever, but something was said at church that confused me. During testimony meeting, a woman explained that her niece, also born several months early, had miraculously survived. “I know that it is because of the faith of my family that my niece is alive,” she said. I was happy for her outcome but hurt by the implication. Was her niece really alive because of her family’s faith? If so, had my brother died because my family didn’t have enough? (Brandon C.; St. George, Utah, USA)
As you study about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego today, pay attention to what the Spirit teaches you about trusting Jesus Christ. How might what you learn help the boy in the story above better understand faith?
The king of Babylon, Nebuchadnezzar, made a large golden image, or statue. It was approximately 90 feet (27.4 meters) high and 9 feet (2.74 meters) wide (see Daniel 3:1). The king commanded everyone to fall down and worship the image when certain music was played (see Daniel 3:4–5). People who did not worship the golden image would be thrown into “a burning fiery furnace” (Daniel 3:6).
Considering the consequences for not worshipping this image, ponder what you think you would have done if you were there.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego chose to honor God by not worshipping the image (see Daniel 3:12).
Read Daniel 3:13–18. As you read, mark evidence of the following truth: We can show our faith in Jesus Christ by trusting in Him regardless of the outcome. You might also mark the phrase, “But if not …” in verse 18.
Elder Dennis E. Simmons of the Seventy shared:
We must have the same faith as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.
Our God will deliver us from ridicule and persecution, but if not. … Our God will deliver us from sickness and disease, but if not. … He will deliver us from loneliness, depression, or fear, but if not. … Our God will deliver us from threats, accusations, and insecurity, but if not. … He will deliver us from death or impairment of loved ones, but if not, … we will trust in the Lord.
Our God will see that we receive justice and fairness, but if not. … He will make sure that we are loved and recognized, but if not. … We will receive a perfect companion and righteous and obedient children, but if not, … we will have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, knowing that if we do all we can do, we will, in His time and in His way, be delivered and receive all that He has. (“But If Not …,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2004, 75)
Answer the following questions in a note next to the phrase “But if not” in verse 18.
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What is the difference between having faith in Jesus Christ versus having faith in an outcome?
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What are modern situations where someone would need to show faith in Jesus Christ rather than faith in an outcome?
If it is available, watch the video “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego,” (1:39) or read Daniel 3:19–28 to see how the story ends.
Review the following study options. Complete one or more.
Option A
Why doesn’t God always deliver the faithful from hardship?
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency emphasized that “faith and the healing power of the priesthood cannot produce a result contrary to the will of Him whose priesthood it is” (“Healing the Sick,” Ensign orLiahona, May 2010, 50).
Read the following passages and link two or more to the phrase “but if not” in Daniel 3:18.
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Luke 22:42 (Jesus submits to His Father’s will)
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Hebrews 11:36–40 (Faithful people persecuted)
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1 Nephi 18:10–16 (Nephi bound)
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Mosiah 17:9–20 (Abinadi killed)
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Doctrine and Covenants 42:48; 46:30 (The importance of God’s will in healings)
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Doctrine and Covenants 135:1 (Joseph and Hyrum Smith martyred)
Answer the following questions in your notebook:
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How do these accounts help you trust in the Lord regardless of the outcome?
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What do you know about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that helps you want to trust in Them regardless of the outcome?
Option B
How can I increase my faith in Christ regardless of the outcome?
One way to increase our faith is to explore why we can trust God. When we understand who He is, we can faithfully trust in His plan.
Read the following verses looking for phrases that show why you should trust God. Tag each scripture as “trusting God” or “faith.”
How does understanding God’s character make it easier to have faith regardless of the outcome?
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you feel a desire to trust in Jesus Christ regardless of the outcome.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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What you think the boy in the scenario needed to learn about faith.
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What you learned from the links you studied about trusting God regardless of the outcome.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?