"A man has as much religion as he can show in times of trouble. The men who were cast into the fiery furnace came out as they went in--except their bonds."
It's in the fire where we come to know depth of our faith. We need to remember that all we do in the day to day builds up our faith. The little steps make the difference. Staying true to our Lord and Savior in the little things are just as important as the "big" things.
"But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's choice food..." I know many have read this passage in Daniel before and initially thought that eating the food wouldn't have been a "big deal". And it might not have really been that important. However, in the end that decision became another part of the greater foundation laid in there lives. He and his companions could not have know that one day they would be tested by fire!
Yesterday, in this blog, we talked about what is right in our own eyes and what is right in God's eyes. Daniel shows us just one example of this point. He believed that God wanted them to eat only those foods and drink that would honor God and testify to who they were as God's children. Sticking to this principle, God honored this step of faith and they prospered.
They become men looked up to and eventually when the time was right, they faced a test. This test could have never been foreseen by this young men. Had they not taken small steps of faith and obedience, there is NO reason to believe for a moment that they would have stood on their faith now. The sum of their actions paved the way for their actions on that day!
It was before, during and after this test where their testimony honored God and Him alone. We can't expect to live our life as we wish and then when the tests come, expect God to show up and save us. We must take the same path as Daniel, step by step, in faith following God's lead in our life.
Make no mistake, this journey is a step by step process. By following His direction in the smallest details we will lay a foundation that honors God. This journey is full of tests, all designed to build us up in Christ to honor God. As we practice living in His presence, the smaller tests become easier. When the trails comes, they too are more peacefully endured as we know that God is right there with us...in the fire!
Blessings & Peace
~Robert
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