Being a follower of God has never been easy. Abraham was afraid for his life because of how beautiful his wife was, and so, he lied about their relationship (Genesis 20). Joseph maintained his integrity and resisted temptation but still wound up in prison and was left there for two years after he should have been released (Genesis 41:1). Job was faithful and righteous, but Satan was allowed to test him to the max, and then, he was accused of evil and unrepentant sin. Israel escaped Egyptian bondage, and after three days found no water (Exodus 15:22-23). The prophets of God were hidden in caves during the time of Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 18:4). The people Jesus came to save betrayed Him, and one of His close followers betrayed Him, too. The book of Acts details a number of times Christians were arrested, beaten, threatened and even martyred. The apostle Paul had his own list of times he experienced various dangers (2 Corinthians 11:24ff). Life is not always going to be fair or easy, so when the tough times come, how much are we willing to trust God (Romans 8:18)?
[Editor’s Note: The statement and sentiment of the three Jewish youths facing a fiery furnace ought to be demonstrated in the lives of Christians today. “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar… our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up’” (Daniel 3:16-18 NKJV). ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]