FAITH READY FOR THE FIRE

FAITH READY FOR THE FIRE

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. ~ Daniel 3:16-18

For the three Hebrew young men, it was a test of their faith. After they had refused to bow down to the image made by the king, they were asked if truly they had refused to bow to the image. It was a do or die situation. I am amazed at their response. They said, ‘We (have no need) do not have to answer this case’. Other version actually say, ‘We do not have an answer for you for this matter’. However, if one analyse the passage of Scripture on verses 17 and 18 these men went on to make a response. It is contradictory, they said NO ANSWER but went on to ANSWER.

Whenever we are faced with challenges, it is important to note that ourselves we may not have an appropriate answer except the response backed by FAITH, response from FAITH, response by FAITH. The response of these men is very challenging. Their response was of faith ready for the fire. In fact, faith was the equal match of the fire made for them as punishment.

There are 5 dimensions of faith we learn faith from these men.
1. Faith answer: Whenever we are faced with a challenge our answer and response is that of faith. Sometime we respond with a carnal mind, without taking faith as a factor. Allow faith to lead you in your response. We walk not by sight but by faith (2 Cor 5:17)
2. Faith to be delivered: The young men had confidence in their God that they will be delivered from the fiery furnace. Our God is able to do exceedingly above everything which we might think or ask. Faith is useless when we don’t trust God in any matter we face.
3. Faith in the Sovereignty of God: we need to understand that deliverance is done at the pleasure and will. Therefore, if say deliverance doesn’t come, that doesn’t nullify that God is God. God remains God in the valley and on the mountain tops.
4. Faith ready for the fire: The young men said even if deliverance from the fire doesn’t come, they will not bow to the image. Therefore to them, even if the deliverance would not come they were ready for the fire. It was the conviction they had inside them which made them to wire up their faith in such a way that fire was nothing to them. Nothing must pollute or make our faith weak. Even old age didn’t weaken Abraham’s faith (Rom 4:19)
5. Faith not to bow: These young men were not ready to compromise. Faith doesn’t compromise. Faith remains steadfast. In your challenge don't be tricked into bowing down to the challenge or the devil. Faith is unwavering (Rom 4:20).

Today, I encourage you to check your faith. Is your ready for the fires of life?

John Museredzo is a passionate, provocative and inspiring teacher of the Word. For more teachings follow me on Facebook, Twitter or whatsapp +263712154277