To find Part one, click on the following link. https://benjaminlee.blog/2023/11/18/walking-through-the-fire/

Imagine for a moment you’re at work or some function with thousands of other people. You are doing what is required of you. People know you’re a team player. But one day you’re asked to do something. Everyone else has agreed to do it. But you realize that moving forward with this action will compromise your faith in Jesus. How would you respond? All eyes will be on you if you decline. You could lose your job, status, and reputation.

There were three Hebrew boys in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament who didn’t have to imagine this scenario. They lived it. Much more was on the line. It was a matter of life and death for them. They faced a literal fire! Yet they responded with faith. The same must be true for us!

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego replied to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.

Daniel 3:16-18

“But even if He does not…”

When what we want doesn’t happen is when our faith in Jesus is tested even more. Yet, for these Hebrew boys, before God responded, they know how they would respond. They would remain faithful. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul prayed fervently in his torment. The Lord’s response?

My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.

Jesus

That was it! No further explanation. That response was sufficient for Paul. There’s potential danger assuming God will always do the same thing as He’s done in previous times or how He’s responded to others.

Paul had been delivered from various challenges throughout his ministry, Acts 9:23-26; Acts 18:9-11; Acts 23:11. It’s also dangerous to think God doesn’t care or has stopped loving us. He does. He does even when our request isn’t answered how we desire.

The exact request wasn’t granted for Paul. Something better was. God’s grace. God’s power. The only way to manage torment is by God’s grace and fire. Paul moved forward. He didn’t leave God or forsake Him. Neither should we “Even if He does not…”

The Hebrew boys knew their response would be FAITH before they ever knew how God would respond! Walking by faith doesn’t guarantee we will never suffer. Read about the people of God in Hebrews 11:32-38 who walked by faith and yet endured tremendous suffering.

Walking by FAITH means God will HELP us to OVERCOME!

God Bless You.

Benjamin Lee