1 Peter 4:12 (NLT) says, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.”
Praising God and being the person we are called to be is much easier when things are going well for us. When life is what we want it to be and everything seems to be in balance, it’s a lot easier to be joyous and give thanks to God. Our challenge is to remain that way when the trials come, and they will come. When life is giving us all we can handle, and much more, how are we going to react. Are we going to keep our focus and praise on God even through the fire?
The story from the book of Daniel that highlights how we should act when faced with the fires of life is about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These three Jewish teens refused to bow down to the false idol created by King Nebuchadnezzar. This was after the furious King turned the heat up on the fire in the furnace 7 times more than normal and threatened to throw them in it. I love their response in Daniel 3:16-18 (NLT). “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied, Oh Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
Wow, even faced with certain death in the furnace these young men trusted fully in God and didn’t focus on the situation. More importantly, they were going to praise Him even if He didn’t save them from the fire. I wish I could be that faithful. I pray that if tested with a trial like that I would react the same way.
So what or who are you going to focus on when the flames of life get hot? I know at times in my life I focused on the problem or situation more than God. It is a constant battle to keep the focus on God and not the problems because our human perspective wants to focus on what is right in front of us. The key is to rise above the situation and see things from a Godly view. Reflect on how God is using this situation in your life to bring you closer to Him. Through the trials you are being shaped more into the person He wants you to be. Romans 5:3 (NLT) tells us, “We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.”
My friends, the flames will come and sometimes they will be pretty hot. Some of you are in those flames right now. My question to you is what are you focusing on, the problems or God? If your focus is on the problem and things are getting worse, today is the day to shift the focus to where it should be, on your Savior. Keep your faith in Him and He will bring you through the fires of life. Remember what Joshua told the Israelites in Joshua 1:9 (NLT), “This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Truth in Love! ~ Chuck