Hi everyone!

I wanted to take a moment to send this note of encouragement to those experiencing severely challenging times. (I guess most of us could be that person! )

I’m often reminded of the story in the Book of Daniel of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It’s important to know that the same God that was there for them at that time is here for us now!

You may want to read the full story in Daniel Chapter 3, but I wanted to share a couple of verses with you that I trust will minister to you.

Daniel 3:24-25 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” (NIV) 

As the King looked into the fire, I believe he had to do a double-take and then another double-take! The three Hebrew Champions were no longer bound but were walking around in the fire with no harm done to them!

They weren’t sitting in a corner huddled in fear, complaining about how hot it was or how terrible life had become. They’re having fellowship with one who appears to be the Son of God! Even the pagan King was able to recognize the King of Kings amid their trial!

We may not enjoy hearing this, but I believe that one of the ways the Lord uses to bring us closer to Him and to know Him more is through our trials and tribulations. We may not know what to do during the trial, but it causes us to focus on His power and not our limitations!

1 Peter 1:6-7 6 In this you rejoice greatly, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith, which is much more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested and purified by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. (AMP)

We can’t stop the trials from coming, but with God’s help, we can adjust our attitude when those trials do arrive.

I don’t share these words as someone who has not experienced my share of trials. I have, but I wanted you to know that the same God who brings me through will do the same for you. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, who can be your fourth man in the fire!

Bless you!

PS: The way to endure trials is to have our faith strengthened and we have an incredible weekend lined up at Gracelife!

We have Murdoch van Straten with us Friday evening talking about family and faith and Sunday morning kicking off Part 1 of our Generous Life series!

Murdoch is a successful businessman with 30 years of experience. He has a passion to equip the local and broader Church in Godly principles of finances, business, and family values. He’s a father of 3 boys, an Elder at City on A Hill International, Klerksdorp and on the NCMI Apostolic Team.

This Friday 25 Oct,  6:30pm and Sunday 27 Oct, 8am and 9:30am

Gracelife Church, 1353 Bluff Rd, Bluff

Consider yourself invited!

 

Craig Glenn

Leading Pastor, Gracelife Church