Faith

Hebrews 11:1 says "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for. The evidence of things not seen"

Although this verse was addressed to a New Testament audience, it was also relevant to many individuals in the Old Testament. A fascinating example of steadfast faith is seen in the three Hebrew boys: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

This group has an intriguing history. They were held captive in Babylon, a distant land far removed from all they knew. How does one cope in such conditions? How would you deal with a situation like that? Would you abandon your faith if it was a matter of life or death?

When the three Hebrew boys were faced with the choice of abandoning their faith and worship of the one true God to save their lives, they firmly told Nebuchadnezzar that they would not cease worshiping God. Even when threatened with the fiery furnace, they remained resolute. The discussion continued until Nebuchadnezzar challenged them, asking, "...Who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hands?" The boys replied to the king, "We are not careful to answer thee in this matter. If it be so, our God, whom we serve, is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. (Daniel 3:16-18)

They hoped for God's deliverance, but it was irrelevant whether God saved them or not. Their salvation didn't concern them.

That is faith.

I challenge you to live your lives like the three Hebrew boys. Everyone who met them could see their faith. It was evident not only in their actions but in everything they did. It was reflected in how they consistently presented themselves each day. They lived each day hoping for deliverance but being alright with it if it never came.

Something to think about.