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This week's focus: Faith

There is a story about an underground church in China that was disrupted when two armed officials kicked in the door. With threats and accusations that what they were doing was illegal, they shouted for those present to make a choice; denounce their faith and leave unharmed or stay and die. Many fearfully gave in. After the last one left, one of the officials shut the door and stared at the faithful few who would rather die than deny their Lord. Then slowly, both men put their weapons down, bent their knees, and said, “Now we can worship.”

The people left in the room stood firm against the enemy’s lies, threats, accusations, and intimidation. They proved through their actions that they feared God more than man and demonstrated an even if faith.

In the Old Testament, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego made this type of faith famous when they stood firm and trusted God no matter what.

“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).

Fortunately, they were ready for this moment. Since being taken captive, they didn’t distance themselves from God in challenging times but drew near. When they felt powerless, they chose not to deny God but to depend on His strength. They went from faith to faith to the furnace, and like Job, they could say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him"(Job 13:15).

Their bravery served as a witness to those watching and opened a door for a miracle. After being cast into the flames firmly tied and bound, God showed up powerfully and met them in the fire. The Bible tells us that not three, but four men were walking through the flames unharmed and free—the only thing that got burned was the ropes that bound them. This miraculous event caused Nebuchadnezzar to shout, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” In the presence of all, he continued,

“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).

As servants of the Most High God, we, too, understand that no one is exempt from trials and tribulations. However, with Jesus walking by our side, we don’t have to fear but can rejoice because He has overcome the world. Knowing this, may we confidently portray what an even if faith looks like and draw many to the Lord in doing so.