Have you been through adversity lately?
It can be profoundly unpleasant and even troubling. The apostle Peter called the trials of a believer’s life “fiery.”
As it pertains to Scripture, we’re likely to have some negative associations with the word “fire,” since it’s the source of punishment for unbelievers and fallen angels. But it’s also used in the Old Testament and the New as a symbol for God’s presence and a marker of the Holy Spirit—as well as a purifying element.
Read on for Dr. Stanley’s advice on embracing your “fiery trials.”
Sometimes we’re tempted to wish the Christian life were easier. After all, we have a heavenly Father who loves, guides, and blesses us.
So why must we be misunderstood or ridiculed?
Why must we endure painful adversity, discouragement, and loss?
Peter told suffering believers, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you” (1 Pet. 4:12).
Persecution and trials are part of the Christian life, so we must understand how God wants us to respond to them.
You’re probably familiar with the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the third chapter of Daniel. They found themselves in a literal fire when they refused to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s image. The penalty for noncompliance was to be thrown alive into a furnace of blazing fire. They understood the dire consequences but were willing to pay that price to obey God and worship only Him.
That’s the kind of boldness and courage the world needs to see in us, whether we’re suffering from antagonists or because of circumstances. From these three men’s example, we learn the following principles that help us in our own fiery trials.
First, faithfulness to God must prevail over fear.
Whether you’re taking a stand for righteousness or navigating difficult times with godly patience, be mindful of His wisdom. Because God knows the future and allows our hardships, you can trust Him to handle the consequences of your faithfulness.
That’s exactly what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego did. “If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire ... But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods nor worship the golden statue that you have set up” (Dan. 3:17-18). And the Lord did, in fact, take care of the consequences of their refusal, by miraculously protecting them as they endured man’s punishment (v. 27).
Overcoming our fears is not a matter of willpower, but of dependence on the Lord and His Word. He is our strength to persevere. Keep your eyes fixed on Him and you can stand firm in obedience to Christ.
Second, the only things that are lost in the fire are the things that bind you.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego were tied up before being thrown into the fire. But when Nebuchadnezzar peered into the furnace, he said, “Look! I see four men untied and walking about in the middle of the fire unharmed” (v. 25). Their ropes were burned, but they were unscathed.
In a symbolic way, the same is true for us. In a trial we discover new truths about God and ourselves. We all us have sins, attitudes, behaviors, and thought patterns that need to be burned away so we can be free from them. With freedom comes joy. And in the process, we gain a more accurate understanding of God and His ways.
Third, God is always with you in the fire.
Nebuchadnezzar saw four men in the furnace, “and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!” (v. 25). This was none other than the preincarnate Christ. What Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego experienced in the visible, physical world, we experience spiritually through the presence of the indwelling Holy Spirit. God not only watches over us in every circumstance, but He walks with us as a companion. He will never leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).
Fourth, your faithfulness in the fire will impact others and magnify God’s glory.
When Nebuchadnezzar saw what happened, he realized how great the Most High God is and blessed Him (Dan. 3:26-29). Our fiery ordeals benefit us, and God also uses our faithful attitude as a witness to others.
Maybe today is your moment of adversity. Let these principles reset your focus. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are [God’s] ways higher than [y]ours” (Isa. 55:9).
So don’t be afraid. Trust what He is doing and expect to see His hand through your trial.
Dr. Stanley liked to remind us that, as a believer, your trials are always near. You’ve either just survived a trial, are enduring one now, or are being prepared to enter one. It’s our prayer that wherever you find yourself, these words will offer strength and hope for you as you walk with Christ today.
Till next time, God bless you.
For His Glory,
Your Friends at In Touch Ministries