The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is likely one of most well known Vacation Bible Stories ever told. It’s got young men who defy the authorities and stand up for God. Plus, it has an insane amount of fire. But all kidding aside, it is probably a story that you heard as a child and one that your children could easily retell.

It is a fast moving story with major implications on how as grown-ups live. The story beginnings with a vital message on identity. These individuals have been taken from their homes and sent to Babylon. But that’s just the beginning of their journey because the Babylonians want to change everything about who they are. From their names to their diets. But they don’t change because they know who they are.

And when things get hot in the story (See what I did there?), their faith doesn’t shake. They are able to stand up to the King who literally puts them in a blazing furnace and they survive. Again, it’s a great story with a lot of implications on how we live.

It is so easy to follow and trust in God when things are going our way. But when we begin to face trials and persecutions, that is when we really need to know who we are and who we were created to be.