I have been going through the book of 2 Corinthians in a verse-by-verse series entitled “Trust, Treasure, Triumph.” When I came to 2 Corinthians 4:9, I immediately thought of the following story:

Three Hebrew men were among many taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. While they were in Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow down and worship the golden image made by Nebuchadnezzar. The law was very clear: anyone who does not bow down will be thrown into the fiery furnace. Because of their stand, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were persecuted. However, as Nebuchadnezzar saw a fourth Man with them in the furnace, it became evident that they were not forsaken.

God wants us to trust Him the same way these three young men trusted Him. No, they did not know that they would be spared from the fire, but they were sure that through it all, they would not be forsaken. God would be with them, so it was their responsibility to remain faithful.

More and more brothers and sisters in Christ are being persecuted every day. Men may persecute us for standing on the Word of God, but through any situation, remember that you will not be forsaken. Take comfort in this fact: through it all, God is with you.