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Refreshment in Refuge
by Gina Burgess
I often wonder how seriously we take that.
"Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up" - Dan. 3:17-18.
Even if He does not... that was life or death to those young men, friends of Daniel who steadfastly stood up to ole Nebuchadnezzar. It's commitment, but it is deeper than that. Some people like to call it faith which is knowing something without the evidence of it. That is a pretty good definition. But, it is also conviction, that unwavering determination to believe God no matter the circumstances.
I have seen so many fair weather Christians. Those that embrace the message of the Cross then when the cares of the world, the trials and the tribulations come, they get mad at God and get mad at the church. What would have happened if Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego had had that kind of attitude?
These are the kinds of men that God depends upon. That is the kind of conviction we should have in our life all the time. Then, we wouldn't be as tempted.
Conversation with Satan would be simpler...
"How about this nice juicy slice of pie. Look it is full of sweet worldly nuggets."
"No."
"Ah, but I have dipped it in whipped power, and dribbled lots of delectable passions all over it."
"No."
"You don't know what you're missing."
"Look, Satan, there is nothing you could give me that would be any better than the glories God has for me in Heaven. I love Him so much that I'd rather die right here than disappoint Him."
There wouldn't be any "thinking about" that pie. The issue had already been decided. No haggling. No hassle. Walk away whistling because the decision had already been made.
Why don't we do this?
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Gina Burgess has taught Sunday School and Discipleship Training for almost three decades. (Don't tell her that makes her old.) She earned her Master's in Communication in 2013.
She is the author of several books including: When Christians Hurt Christians, The Crowns of the Believers and others available in online bookstores. She authors several columns, using her God-given talent to shine a light in a dark world. You can browse her blog at Refreshment In Refuge.
If you'd like to take a look at some Christian fiction and Christian non-fiction book reviews check out Gina's book reviews at Upon
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