If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. Daniel 3:16

Devotion:

Did you know that to remove impurities from gold, it must be heated to an excess of 2150° Fahrenheit? It is almost impossible to comprehend how hot this really is. Let me try to put this in perspective. Gold’s refinement happens at nearly 10 times the boiling point of water and 1/4th of the temperature of the sun.

The same is true for our faith. We must remain faithful during seasons of refinement, knowing God will use it for our benefit and his glory.

How do I know this? My mind immediately takes me to the book of Daniel. One of the most well known stories from God’s Word is that of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into King Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace. It may have been one of my favorites growing up and still is today! To summarize: The King builds a statue of himself and commands everyone to bow and worship at its feet. As Jews, living in accordance with the Ten Commandments, the three men do not bow. Instead they say: 

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:16

The King proceeds to throw a fit and toss these men into a brick-making kiln. Some say it would typically burn at a raging 1300° fahrenheit. Multiply that by 7 and we are looking at the three men standing in heat close to that of the Sun’s surface temperature! What happens? We read that they are rescued in verse 25 by what “looks like a son of the gods,” presumably an angel. 

Before, during, and after this experience, these men remain faithful to God. They didn’t bow down to an idol. They trusted they would be rescued but said “even if” they weren’t, they would perish doing the right thing. God uses the moment of refinement to open the King’s eyes to his greatness, and his heart is softened. Isn’t this what a season of refinement can often look like for us?

So what? During your next season of trials, know that refinement is happening and …

• Let’s be a people who worship God instead of someone or something else (Deuteronomy 5:7).
• Let's choose to proclaim allegiance to our Rescuer, and trust him, no matter what the outcome might be (Jeremiah 17:7-8).
• Let’s remember that someone else may come to know our Rescuer because of our assurance (John 15:1-8).

Now what? 

Pray: God, my Rescuer and Redeemer, like Peter wrote in 1 Peter I have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. They continue to prove the genuineness of my faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire. I am choosing to praise, give you glory and honor as Christ is revealed to us. Even though I have not seen him, I love him … and am filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy … Amen

Take advantage of resources.crossings.church. I recommend:

• Why Should We be Faithful? Does It Matter? - John Ortberg
• Another in the Fire - Jason White and Crossings Venue Worship

Blake Sabiston
Pastor, Central Ministry Support - Connections & Care

Blake is on the Central Ministry Support team as the Pastor of Connections and Care. He collaborates with, and serves, our pastors and staff to ensure each location’s congregation has opportunities to connect and be cared for.

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