As Christians, we have been told that we will not suffer or face bad times. This misconception has plagued many believers who think that they have sinned or done something wrong when they are faced with difficult trials and tribulations. However, I want to remind us today that hard times will come; we will suffer for Christ’s name. So, when you and I are challenged with life’s ups and downs, and twists and turns, will you falter? Will you faint? “If the Flame Doesn’t Decrease” will you hold on to God’s Word?
When I think about the word flame, my mind immediately thinks about the story surrounding the 3 Hebrew boys. Recorded in the third chapter of Daniel, the account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego describes their refusal to obey the king’s decree to bow down to the idol. Verses 16 through 18 tells us, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 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. 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.’” We know the result was that God didn’t allow the flames with the 3 Hebrew boys to decrease. But did the flames or the situation change them? Did the 3 Hebrew boys change their minds? No! Miraculously, God changed, covered them while in the flames!!!! Will you and I be able to cry out, “Oh Lord!!!! change me while I’m facing this trial and tribulation.” We must come to the realization that we need to allow God to use any situation or the fire or the hell we may be facing to transform us into whatever He desires for us to be!
How can our minds shift into a positive and determined posture “If the Flame Doesn’t Decrease”? Well, we can trust God. Psalm 56:3-4 reminds us, “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” Then you and I must pray! 1 Thessalonians 5:17 tells us to pray without ceasing. The well-known Bishop Patrick Wooden is quoted as saying, “Peace is not the absence of a thing but the presence of a thing.” That “THING” is Jesus. When Jesus is in the fire with us, we can endure anything. Remember “If the Flame Doesn’t Decrease” God’s peace operates in the midst of chaos and conflict.