CAST INTO THE FIRE. The furnace was not a test of faith; whether or not to bow down to an idol was the test. The three young Jewish men passed the test and were thrown into the fire because of their faith. It was the OT prophet’s unswerving loyalty to God that caused him such hardship and affliction. It was the NT martyr’s allegiance to Jesus that brought about his death.

See, the fire isn’t always the test, sometimes the fire is the proof of your faith. Jesus said of Paul, “For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”” (Acts‬ ‭9:16‬ ) not to prove Paul’s faith, but because of his faith.

Multiple times in Scripture we are told that we will suffer with Jesus simply because we identify with Him. No one is immune from affliction and sufferings, no one. Just what will you suffer for? Peter said to not suffer for being an evil doer or busybody, (that’s for another day) but rather suffer for Jesus’ sake according to the will of God. See, it’s God’s will that we take on the nature of Christ, and if we take on His nature, we will suffer. Period. “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.” I Peter‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭

How do you get through affliction and suffering? Commit your whole heart, mind, body and soul to Him. Trust that He is a good Father and that He seeks your good. There are two things I know to be sure: “I have been young and now am old and I have not seen the righteous forsaken”, God is good and He is faithful.
#runyourrace

To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page