It was not unusual for the inspired writers to use fire as figurative language for troubles and trials. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you" (1 Peter 4:12). "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1:7). "O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard: which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. For Thou, O God, hast proved us: Thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into the net; Thou laidst affliction upon our loins. Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but Thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place" (Psalm 66:8-12). "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee" (Isaiah 43:2). Each of these is a reference to believers suffering hardships and afflictions. Since fiery trials will come to us, what are we to do in the mist of them? "Glorify the LORD!" How can we glorify God in the midst of fiery trials?
1. By acknowledging His providence in all things. Nothing happens by chance. The purpose of the Lord is at work in all our trials. Amos 3:6 asks, "Shall there be evil (that which is disagreeable and troublesome) in a city, and the LORD hath not done it?" Whatever happens to us, be it pleasing or painful, comes from the Lord. Job did not blame his trials upon fate, the devil, the Sabeans or the Chaldeans. "The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21). Later Job would say to his wife, "What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this Job sinned not with his lips" (Job 2:10).
2. We glorify God in the midst of fiery trials by acknowledging His wisdom in all He does. "He is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works" (Psalm 145:17). He is too wise to make a mistake in determining what is best for His children and too loving to have anything happen to us that is not in our best interest.
3. We glorify God in the midst of fiery trials by acknowledging that all He brings to pass is for our benefit. David said, "it is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn Thy statutes" (Psalm 119:71). "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).
4. We glorify God in the midst of fiery trials by acknowledging His power to sustain us while passing through the fire. Let us hear the promise of God. "When thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned." Like the three Hebrew children, though the flames be all around us, they shall not destroy us.
5. We glorify God in the midst of fiery trials by trusting Him at all times. "But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). Job acknowledged that his afflictions came from God and proved he believed the Lord would see him safely through when he said, "I shall come forth." The prophet said, " Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid" (Isaiah 12:2). May the Lord enable us to glorify Him when the fiery trials of life come our way.
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