Do you place limits on God’s power? Is there a point in going through a trial where you feel that it’s beyond God’s will and power to deliver you? How far will you go before you draw the line?
In the year 605 BC Daniel and his friends were deported to Babylon. Daniel had three close friends. Their names were Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. The king, Nebuchadnezzar, renamed them. He renamed Hananiah, Shadrach. He renamed Mishael, Meshach. And he renamed Azariah, Abed-Nego. He must have done it to keep things simple.
Daniel and his three friends were placed in the king’s court to be trained. The Bible says in Daniel 1:17 that God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom. When the king himself examined them, he found them to be ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in his kingdom.
As time passed, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego became rulers over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But some ruthless men, who hated the Jews and wanted them destroyed, talked the king into making a law. And the law was this. They would make a large gold image, and when the music played, anyone who was within the sound of this music would have to bow down and worship the image.
To put teeth in this new law, it was decided that anyone who did not fall down and worship the false image would be thrown into the center of a burning fiery furnace.
Of course, the three Hebrew men would not bow down and worship the image. God had forbidden it and they knew God was more powerful than any man. They knew God had said He would be their deliverer and they believed Him. They knew God did not lie.
When it was reported to the king that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego would not worship the gold image, the king became furious and he demanded the three be brought to him. He gave them one more chance, but they refused.
They said, “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But, if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
The king was full of rage and commanded his best soldiers to bind them and throw them into the furnace. Because of the urgency of the king’s command, the furnace was made extra hot. As they approached the furnace opening, Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego fell down, bound, into the middle of the furnace. The soldiers who took the three men to the furnace were burned to death.
Then it happened. King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up and called for his counselors. He couldn’t believe his eyes. He said, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Then Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego walked out of the furnace.
Daniel 3:27 says, “And the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.”
These men did not limit God’s delivering power. Neither should we.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.