Obey & Burn? or In the fire with Jesus...

If you trust God, what do you believe should be the results or the next event in your life?
Could be a blessing from God, but perhaps it could be a learning opportunity or a chance to refine your faith and make it even stronger, or maybe there could come a chance to bring glory to God by your obedience. Many people seem to believe God will only give good things to make them happy or blessings, but Scripture and experience teach us different.

Last night at Adult VBS Bible Study (a great thing for the parents to do while their young ones are in VBS) we were discussing the story of Shadrack, Mishech and Abednego and their trust in God when faced with a difficult decision.
They said, “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 even if He doesn’t, let us make it clear to you O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we ever worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18

They decided to obey God and did what is right, but the King didn’t tell them they were free to go and follow their God. No, he got madder and they found themselves thrown into a furnace to die. Some preachers today preach, ‘trust God and get wealthy’ or ‘claim your healing’ or some variation of these ideas. God however, let these three young men be thrown into the furnace and they went willingly because they really did trust God.

If you decide to trust God He may bless you with things you consider good or He may bless you with your own version of a ‘fiery furnace’ to show His glory and to strengthen your faith. The results of your obedience are up to God and may not be the ones you would choose, but always remember that “He is God and you are NOT”. He knows His purposes and what to us is the future and He knows what you really need to prepare you for your now and your eternity. (Rom. 8:28)

Remember this same God who asks you to trust and obey Him is the one who came to earth and paid for your sin; something you could never do. If you follow Him, love Him and obey Him then no matter what happens you can “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus”. (1Thessalonians 5:18) You can also as it says in v.16, “Rejoice always!”

The next event, the result of your obedience is in God’s hand so get to know Him well enough through His Word and through prayer that your first reaction will become one of TRUST!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. Instead, in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will direct or make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

Obey what you know and leave those results and consequences of your obedience in God’s hands and watch Him work in your life bringing growth and serving others through you as you grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and help others grow too as you disciple them. Trust & Obey!