Standing Under Fire
Most of us have heard the account of the three Hebrew young men that got thrown into a fiery furnace because they stood up for what they believed. They didn’t bend; they didn’t bow; they didn’t burn!
Daniel 3:7-29 They had a faith that trusted God with the outcome and demonstrated a confidence in God. They did not trust God to make “their” way but to make “His way.” They respectfully stood up to the King and maintained their position of trusting God, even while they watched them heat the furnace up seven times hotter. Talk about intimidating! Even the men who threw them in perished from the heat! But their faith was in God Who does everything right. They were willing to leave the outcome to God. That is hard to do. Our human nature wants to reach out and take charge of situations we disagree with.
St Peter’s Cathedral stands in Worms, Germany. There is a room in it where Martin Luther, the father of the Protestant Reformation, was brought before the church council and questioned about what the church considered his heretical beliefs. One of the inquisitors, a particularly mean-spirited man said, “Tell me, Luther, when the whole world turns against you – church, state, and people – where will you be then?” Luther’s reply was, “Why then, as now, I will be in the hands of the Almighty God!” We also MUST live with an awareness that we are in God’s almighty hands and that is a good (really the best) place to be.
Living in some of the countries that we have, I have had the privilege of meeting many modern-day believers who exhibit great faith in God and are willing to stand up against tough government regulations in their countries. God is intimately involved in the lives of those who love and trust Him. Many of these believers have little of this world’s resources but they are rich in faith. When they call God “Almighty” you know they have true faith that He is “ALL MIGHTY”! They live by their faith day by day. Christian leaders teach the Word of God, pray for the sick, raise up churches, and stay true to their calling amid threats and terribly difficult circumstances. It is obvious that God is at work in their lives, and He is using them to reach their nations for the kingdom of God in spite of many obstacles and resistance. They exhibit obedience as God’s open doors and move in His unlimited grace and strength. We are humbled to be in relationship with such mighty men and women of God. It has been a privilege to collaborate with these fine people and watch God change their lives and their communities.
During one of our visits to Bangladesh we were taken to visit a site of the famous English missionary, gifted linguist and Bible translator, William Carey’s original mission base. We were also shown the site where William Carey’s wife and children are buried. The buildings have been torn down and the bricks scattered. The graves were barely marked but much fruit has come from the sacrifices made by that family years ago. Their lives have inspired thousands of other missionaries.
Adversity proves us and enlarges us. It reveals more of God’s nature to us. A faith that trusts God with the outcome makes a powerful impact on others. People watch us closely during our “FIRE” times. Your fiery furnace experience makes an impact on others. Our faith cannot be conditional; not based on the results that we want. None of us get to choose what trials and tests will come into our lives. We want to have “God-confidence” and learn to trust Him with the outcome in the situations we face.
“My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance.” James 1:2-3 Passion translation
Is there an area of your life where you have been relying on your own strength to stand instead of letting God handle it?
