Through the Fire
A perfect example of testing is the account in the scripture of the three Hebrew men. The leaders of Babylon were jealous and hurled accusations about them, to the king. There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affair of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O king, pay no attention to you; they do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up. Daniel 3:12 (ESV) At this point, they were given a clear ultimatum by the king. But if you do not worship, you shall immediately be cast in a fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you out of my hands? Daniel 3:15b (ESV) Anything that is of value that goes through the fire will come out pure. Going "through the fire", so to speak, can be so much more than purification. (It can be getting rid of excess baggage, weights, hindrances, past, etc. ) Anything that does not have value will not make it through the fire, at all. Notice...