​Reflection:

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The three young men were able to remain calm in the midst of turmoil.

What was their secret?

How can you and I experience quietness and confidence instead of turmoil and worry in the midst of crisis?

How can we face whatever comes with acceptance rather than resignation? A look at the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 gives us insights.

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The three young Israelite men were being thrown into the fiery furnace because they refused to bow to the Babylonian idols (chp. 3:21).

They faced a crisis as severe as any we might ever encounter in life. And if God didn't come and deliver them, they would surely die (chp.3:17-18). Here's how they were able to walk through the trial without fear:

In addition to all their prayers and worship, they made a commitment to God.

And then they chose to let go and trust.

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Francois Fenelon, in his wonderful volume of letters entitled 'Let Go', written in the seventeenth century and yet just as alive and applicable today, captures the spirit of acceptance:

"If you recognize the hand of God and make no opposition to His will, you will have peace in the midst of affliction. Happy indeed are they who can bear their sufferings with this simple peace and perfect submission to the will of God."

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I've found that the more we worry, the more we try to control people or situations. That causes us to be more fearful, especially when the people we're trying to control resist us or the situation backfires.

A better response:

Let go and trust.

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Prayer: 

Lord, thank You for providing and taking care of me. Help me to trust You. Give me the courage to remain calm and focus on You when life gets scary. I pray to You, in Jesus Name, Amen.