Journal Entry ~ 02/15/18

17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." - Daniel 3:17-18

Oh, to have the faith that these three men had as they stood in defiance to the king!  I often ask myself when I read this story if I would be able to get into the fiery furnace with the same complete trust that God would deliver me from the hand of evil. As amazing as this story is, it should reminds us that our faith can look straight into the darkness and still see the light. 

There are those who act as if living the Christian life is about putting on a happy face and denying the realities of this world. For others, it's more about their status, or what people think of them - it's all a show. There are people who are more concerned with appearing they live the Christian life, than they are with the reality that they battle evil in their life like the rest of us. In some circles, acknowledging to others that you struggle as a Christian is akin to denying your faith.  I know people who struggle with transparency because they think if you are weak in a moment of temptation, or if trials enter your life, then somehow you're not as blessed or you're not living the Christian life correctly. If they struggle in their marriage or with their kids, they don’t let others see it because they don’t want people to think they’re “bad” Christians, so they put up a front. Deep faith does not mean denying who we are or the struggles we face. 

It's also not about covering up our deepest fears with biblical cliches. For those who are dealing with difficult realities, Christians friends and family will sometimes give a pat answer that basically tells the one struggling that they just need to have more faith. That's not it either.  It's about looking straight into the fire, acknowledging the reality of our situation, and having complete trust that God will rescue us.  It's about surrendering all to Him. I want to be the believer who will step into the fire. 


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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