Faith Under Fire

Faith Under FireDr. Zachary Tims, Jr. Our faith in God is being pressed hard in this season of economic turmoil. As Christians, we can't put our trust in the news, our government, a psychic hot line, or a flamboyant talk show host. We have to put our trust in God, even when our faith is being tested. No matter how hard times get, the fact remains that someone else is struggling worse than you. The book of Daniel depicts such an event that transcends beyond human imagination. And just like so many of us today, Daniel's faith was tested under fire. The devil tried to destroy the three Hebrew boys, in Daniel 3, because of their faith in God. You may be going through the blazing furnace of a painful loss, family discord, a home in foreclosure, and no way to pay your bills. The devil wants to burn up your praise and worship, but your faith under fire will burn off everything that had you bound. God will not put on you more than you can bear. He will go through the fire with you. The true principle in this event hinges on the fact that the three Hebrew boys held onto their faith. Despite the problem at hand, they knew the right way to respond under pressure. They didn't backslide, or give up. They praised God in the midst of the fire and were miraculously delivered. Christians ought to have pit-bull faith under fire. The Bible says in Psalm 91, "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day; Nor for the pestilence [that] walketh in darkness; [nor] for the destruction [that] wasteth at noonday. A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee."We can outlast, outrun, and overcome the enemy's schemes of destruction. All it takes is the power of faith, not in a person, or material things, but in the true and living God. Keep praising and worshiping Him, even in the face of a fiery furnace. There are seven points to learn in Daniel chapter 31. God deserves our worship. 2. In life, our faith is going to be challenged. 3. Acquire a "No matter what" confession. 4. When the heat is turned up it's important that you don't panic. 5. Even in the fire, remember you are not alone. 6. God uses the drama to get you to the next level. 7. Your faith will pay off eventually. God has already pre-wired you to win. YOUR PROBLEM DOES NOT HAVE POWER OVER GOD, BUT GOD HAS POWER OVER YOUR PROBLEM.