Last Sunday I preached a message about the three young Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The scripture is found in the book of Daniel, chapter 3. The story tells us that King Nebuchadnezzar became very mad when the young men wouldn’t bow to his golden image. He commanded that the burning fiery furnace be heated up seven times hotter than it was already and the boys be cast into the fire.

The thought has been on my heart for the few days that the “heat” has been turned up in our lives. I believe that we can relate and have to agree that it surely seems. The Bible says, “It rains on the just and the unjust.” Trouble, trials, and turmoil aren’t a stranger to anyone. Suffering, pain, and death visit on a regular basis. We all have situations and circumstances that are out of our control. Nevertheless, they do worry us.

Families are under attack. Fathers and mothers aren’t fulfilling their vows. Children are placed on the “back burner” as an afterthought to be raised by television, computers, and video games. That opens the door for the allure, temptations, and peer pressure to attract this young generation to a life of premarital sex, drinking, drugs, and possibly a life of crime. The devil is truly doing all that he can do to corrupt and destroy our lives. He has turned up the heat and Christians have cooled down.

The question arises, “What do we do when the heat is turned up?” I believe we do exactly what Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. They didn’t give into the king’s command and bow. They stood for what they believed in and during the most difficult time of their lives, when the temptation was there to bow, they stood strong. You may be wondering how they were able to be strong when facing the fiery furnace. They were convinced that God was going to bring deliverance. They had no doubt in the ability of God to give them victory over this fiery trial. They were committed to their Lord. They had already settled in their hearts and it wasn’t up for debate. They weren’t looking for an excuse to compromise their beliefs.

Compromise is like a cancer to the Christian’s life and also to the local church. It starts small and seems harmless but if you don’t watch it, before you realize it, it is out of control and has consumed you. You will be finding yourself doing the things you never would have believed you would do. The church will go in a way that they never thought they would consider. It will no longer be about pleasing God, but pleasing yourself.

Next time you are consumed with fear, worry, and the troubles of life, remember God is able to deliver you just as did the three Hebrew boys. Don’t doubt our wonderful, faithful, and loving Father’s ability to show up right in the middle of your troubles and give victory. When the heat is turned up, it is not a time to get out; rather you should commit to stay in. These young men were convinced, committed, and when the heat was turned up, they conquered. What are you going to do when the heat is turned up in your life?

Tune in to WBCU 103.5 FM Sundays at noon for the Shining Light Broadcast. I preach a 15-minute message that I pray will be a blessing to those who listen. If you have a prayer concern, comment, or question, please write to: Voice of Victory, Attn: David Burrell, PO Box 1221, Pacolet, SC 29372, message me on Facebook, or e-mail me at daveburrell@live.com.