Daniel 3:30  Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to even higher positions in the province of Babylon. (NLT)

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Some people have the Midas Touch. Everything they do turns into gold. Three chapters into this book, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego have been promoted three times. (See 1:18-20; 2:48, 49; and 3:30.)

Why were they promoted? Because they trusted God to protect, provide, and preserve them as they honored him with their integrity and character. They did the right things, even at the risk of their lives. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego chose water and vegetables over the king’s buffet. They chose to seek God’s mercy in prayer rather than seeking to save their own necks by pleading for their lives before the raging king. They chose the fiery furnace rather than bowing down to the king’s overinflated ego. 

Whatever we do, there will be results. The results for Daniel and his friends included superior health due to their diet, rescue from death because of their trust in God, and a second rescue from death also attributed to their trust in God. They lived Proverbs 3:5-8:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart; 
do not depend on your own understanding. 
Seek his will in all you do, 
and he will show you which path to take. 

Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. 
Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. 
Then you will have healing for your body 
and strength for your bones.
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Wise men and women trust God’s instructions and follow them.

Wise men and women trust God’s understanding and seek it.

Wise men and women trust God’s direction and take it. 

How will you live wisely this week?

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I will trust God from the bottom of my heart. 

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Our Father, I will trust your gift of understanding. I will trust your direction. I will turn away from evil every time it offers me a shortcut or a more pleasurable experience. Healing, help, and hope are gifts you give those who trust you in all things. I trust you now. Amen.