EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Enduring fire draws us closer to God

By A. Lee Totten

W e must abide in faith in our hearts and our actions. The daily accounts of world events, or our personal lives, may be difficult but we must not be discouraged, only faithful. The book of Daniel reveals faithfulness in times of trouble.

"But there are some Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon — Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego — who pay no attention to you, O king. They neither serve your gods nor worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:12 NIV)

"The Nebuchadnezzar was furious ... He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace." (Daniel 3:19-20)

The furnace was so hot the flames killed the men who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and these three fell into the blazing furnace.

We too are often "thrown" into a fiery furnace — because of cancer, diabetes, death of a loved one, or war. We feel tied by hopelessness because of circumstances. It is through these circumstances that our deepest emotions surface — fear, grief, anger, bitterness, betrayal or abandonment. But they must surface. It is the only way that the furnace will become the "fires of purification."

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, and who have been called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

If we love the Lord, then the events work for good in our lives. The "furnace" of Jesus was the cross. It must have seemed unbearable to him: "Take this cup from me. Yet, not what I will, but what you will." (Mark 14:36)

"Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, 'Wasn't it three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?' They replied, 'Certainly, O king.' He said, 'Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.' " (Daniel 3:24-25)

The furnace is meant to purify our relationship with our Lord, no matter what the circumstances. We may think it is unbearable, but if we hold on to our faith, there is a promise that we will draw near to him.

"Then Nebuchadnezzar said, 'Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king's command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God.' " (Daniel 3:28)

Like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego our faith must stand in the fiery furnace, only then will he be revealed.

A. Lee Totten is with the Ministry of the Missing Peace and a Christian wellness counselor. Expressions of Faith welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other faith leaders. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.