The Fire - What Trials Teach Us About Our Faith
June 1, 2025

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THERE IS A LOT OF CONFUSION AMONG CHRIST FOLLOWERS AS TO PAIN AND SUFFERING…

Here’s what some prosperity teachers promise:

• Every prayer gets a “yes.”
• You’ll always be healed.
• You’ll be rich and successful.

Here is the truth:
Godly men and women in the Bible suffered

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. —1 Peter 4:12

“Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon. —Daniel 1:4

King Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue ninety feet tall and nine feet wide[a] and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. 2 Then he sent messages to the high officers, officials, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the provincial officials to come to the dedication of the statue he had set up. 3 So all these officials[b] came and stood before the statue King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald shouted out, “People of all races and nations and languages, listen to the king’s command! 5 When you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipes, and other musical instruments,[c] bow to the ground to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s gold statue. 6 Anyone who refuses to obey will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” —Daniel 3:1-6

Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, 14 Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? 15 I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments.[a] But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?” —Daniel 3:13-15

PRINCIPLES FOR FIRE WALKERS


1. Choose Your Audience Early

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. —Daniel 3:16

2. Act on God’s Truth

If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” —Daniel 3:17-18

• It is a dangerous thing to allow circumstances or conditions to determine choices…

• Our faith is deepened in the Crockpot of Pain – not the Microwave of Now.

3. Remember The Benefits of Fire Walking

• Fire Walking exposes my faith

• Fire Walking releases me from bondage

But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?” “Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied. 25 “Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god[a]!” —Daniel 3:24-25


• God gets the glory

Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise to the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He sent his angel to rescue his servants who trusted in him. They defied the king’s command and were willing to die rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. —Daniel 3:28

• “God’s people have always suffered. The only thing more shocking than trials is that we’re surprised when they come.”

REMEMBER:

Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. —1 Peter 4:12


How do I give to 1MSO?

The people of One Missoula Church give tangible resources back to God in order to suffocate greed in our own lives and amplify the impact of the Gospel in the lives of others. We’ve removed every barrier and inconvenience to make this sacrificial act as accessible and simple as possible. At present, here are the avenues for this act of devotion:

  • Sunday Morning – offering boxes on the communion tables at the back
  • Snail Mail – postage-paid envelopes available
  • Text “1MSO” to 406-631-3323
  • Online at https://onemissoulachurch.com/give
  • Via the One Missoula App under the “Giving” tab

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