What Should I Do When I'm Afraid?

If you could move anywhere, where would you go? How would you feel if you moved to a country with a different language, clothes and foods?

If you have ever gone to a new school or a new church, or spent time with a new group of friends, you might have felt a little out of place. Going to new places and doing new things can be exciting, but sometimes it can also be scary. No matter what scary situation you face, God will be with you.

In the book of Daniel, the Bible tells us about three young Jewish men who were taken captive by the Babylonians. They had to live in a new county, wear different clothes, eat different food and even speak a different language! Their entire lives changed, including their names!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were handsome, intelligent, strong young men chosen to serve King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon. As the young men grew older, they were even given positions of authority. (If time allows, read Daniel 3 together as a family.)

One day, King Nebuchadnezzar had a massive gold statue built for himself. Everyone was commanded to bow before the statue whenever music was played. Why? To worship the king. But what happened if someone refused to worship? Let’s read Daniel chapter 3 verse 6 to find out! 

This was not a choice. Complete obedience was expected, and the consequence for disobedience was a painful and immediate death. This sounds like a very scary situation!

As boys, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were taught to trust God and worship Him alone. They didn’t bow to the statue. Instead, they clung to their faith in God and refused to worship anything other than God Himself.

King Nebuchadnezzar was furious! How dare they disobey! He told Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego if they did not worship the statue, they would immediately be thrown into the fiery furnace. He asked them, “Who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands?” (Daniel 3:15)

The Bible tells us how they answered the king. Can you help me find Daniel chapter 3 verses 17-18 to find out what they said? 

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego told the king they would only worship God, even if it meant being thrown into the furnace. They trusted God’s plan was best.

This made King Nebuchadnezzar so mad he commanded the furnace be heated seven times hotter than normal. Then, mighty men tied up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and threw them in the fire.

But, miraculously, they weren’t hurt! In fact, they were walking around in the fire with a fourth man. The king was shocked and called for them to come out. The Bible tells us that everyone saw the fire had no power over the men. The fire didn’t burn their hair or clothes, and they didn’t even smell like smoke!

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego chose to put their trust in God, even when they were in a scary situation. Because God delivered them and protected them in the fire, even King Nebuchadnezzar declared how powerful God was! (Big kids can read more about this in Daniel 3:29-30)

There may be times you find yourself in a very scary situation. You may not know what to do or where to turn. But you can remember what the Bible says in the book of Psalms. Can you help me find Psalm 56 verses 3-4?

God will help us and give us the courage and strength to trust Him, even in scary situations. We can know God’s plan and purpose are perfect and He will be with us in any circumstance that comes our way — no matter the outcome.