A direct challenge to faith brings out the worst or the best in a believer. Some have the best intentions but wilt under the pressure. It is easy to confess faith in God when the costs are little. It’s a different matter all together when the testimony of faith puts us in life-threatening situations. Through the years many stories of faith have been written in martyrs’ blood.
The young men in this week’s message had to choose between being faithful to God or the fiery furnace. They bravely chose to do what was right in the sight of God; they trusted Him with their lives. As a result, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are sterling examples of unwavering faith.
Most people of faith today do not face the challenges of a literal fiery furnace. Some people, however, are called to pay a high price for their unwavering faith. Understand this; God is able, as always, to deliver His people if He chooses. Whether He delivers us or not, we are to remain true to Him.
“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver is from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.” Daniel 3:17