Against the Flow: Holiness in a Hostile WorldSample

Day 7: In the Crucible of Faith

If given a choice, we would gravitate towards a problem-free life instead of one filled with adversity. It is almost an instinct for us to seek comfort, security and ease. As such, we may not think twice in choosing the easy way out when confronted with a need to stand firm in our faith. After all, why make life so difficult for ourselves? However, in the midst of trying to avoid difficulties and pain, we may not realise that we may also be missing out on experiencing God’s grace in our life.

Today’s passage lacks no drama as we see Nebuchadnezzar furiously commanding Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego to be thrown into the fiery furnace. The furnace was blazing hot, killing even the men who took the three friends near it. In a miraculous turn of events, the three friends were seen unbound, walking around in the furnace, with another mysterious person in their midst. Eventually, they came out of the fire totally unscathed, with no visible sign that they were even in it.

Nebuchadnezzar’s initial doubts that any god could rescue the three men gave way to praise and admiration for the God of Judah (v28). Because Babylon had defeated Judah in battle, he assumed that his Babylonian gods were greater than the god of his defeated enemy. In this showdown, the God of Judah dispelled any such notion and made it clear once and for all who is truly the Almighty One. The story closes with God’s name being exalted above other gods.

When we determine to live a holy life and refuse to bow down to the pressures of the world, we must expect opposition and trials. The question is not whether such moments will come, but when they will come and how we will choose to respond to them. Even if you foresee challenging moments and need to pay the price for your godly decisions, will you choose to stand in the fire instead of avoiding it? Will you be willing to put your faith under the fire to see God’s gracious hands upon your life?

God is a proven deliverer. He has delivered His people in the past and is more than able to see us through the fiery ordeals. In your moments of struggle, “consider him (Christ) who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3). Our Lord Jesus Christ Himself suffered the worst of death and can fully sympathize with our times of weakness. He is with us in the fire and in that, we rejoice.

Prayer points:

• How do you usually respond when you are confronted with the need to stand firm in your Christian beliefs? Pray and ask the Lord for His grace and courage to stand in the fire, instead of running away or choosing the easy way out.
• Recall an incident where God’s hands protected and delivered you. Give thanks to Him and as you remember, pray to grow in your faith to trust God in future situations.