Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up."
Daniel 3:16-18
God doesn’t give big assignments to unproven people. The three men didn’t even consider their options; they had made their decision not to compromise long before their commitment would be tested. They would rather die than break God’s commandment. What decisions have you made in your life that you are concrete in your convictions about?
After 30 years in broadcasting, I have been tested with money, sex, power, promotion, and more. How have you been tested? In the marketplace, all Christians are tested in their place of work, in the community, in finances, and in relationships. There comes a time for every believer where their work, will, and character are tested and proved in such a way that after passing the test, God can promote them and point to them as an example of character. Tests in the marketplace can be subtle or obvious. You may be “invited” to partake in something you instinctively know is wrong or, all of a sudden, find yourself in a compromising situation. It may have to do with relationships, finances, horoscopes or tarot cards, a sin of secrecy, convenience, proximity, or opportunity. Often in a time of testing, God is silent, giving you an opportunity to exercise what you know. God observes to see if you will listen to your conscience or your desires. As you walk through your test, God will always provide a way of escape and then, on the other side, a path to promotion in character, trust, position, or other thing.
REFLECT TO CONNECT
- In what ways have you been tested in the last year?
- In areas you’ve made mistakes, how has God helped you walk through a failed test and readied you for the next?
- Why does God test (prove) those He loves?
Often, in a time of testing, God is silent, giving you an opportunity to exercise what you know. He always observes to see if you will listen to your conscience or your desires.
