The Fiery Trial

The “fiery trial” symbolizes some of the toughest times that we may face as bible-believing Christians. Our faith will be tested (Jms 1:3), refined (Mal 3:2), and ultimately strengthened (Rom 5:3)! Just as gold is purified by fire (Isa 1:25), God also wants our lives to be purified (1 Jn 3:3), by allowing us to go through some trials, so we may “come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). Those fiery trials could be literal, such as the time when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, were taken “into the midst of the burning fiery furnace” (Dan 3:23); or when the faithful martyrs were burned at the stake during the reformation period.

Those of us who are saved by God’s grace (Eph 2:8), should endure these trials as “partakers of Christ's sufferings” (v. 13) – we can rejoice because we are identified with Christ (Col 1:24). Our faith also grows (2 Pet 3:18), because we are “rooted and grounded” (Eph 3:17), in His amazing love! And our lives are built upon His firm foundation (Ps 18:2). Therefore, we “shall not be moved” (Ps 62:2)! Sometimes, trials come directly from God (Prov 17:3), to soften our hearts so He can press us into His mold (Isa 64:8). At other times, we encounter “the fiery darts of the wicked” (Eph 6:16), to remind us to always “put on the whole armour of God” (Eph 6:11), and to take it with us all the time (Eph 6:13).

 In other words, we should never let our guards down! We must no longer waste our “time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God” (v. 2). By mortifying “the deeds of the body” (Rom 8:13), we can truly express the crucified life, because it is Christ Who lives in us (Gal 2:20). Whatever trials we may face, “let us not be weary in well doing” (Gal 6:9). Our strength is in the Lord (2 Tim 1:12), and His strength is perfect! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera