Hey friend,
I’ve been thinking about the kind of faith that doesn’t just sound good in theory, but actually holds up in real life.
Because let’s be honest - it’s one thing to talk about faith when everything feels settled. It’s another thing to live by faith when life feels uncertain, painful, confusing, or just heavier than you expected.
That’s where faith gets tested.
But I’m learning that tested faith is not wasted faith.
Sometimes the places we would have never chosen become the very places where God does some of His deepest work in us. The fire may feel uncomfortable, but it can also become formative. It can burn away what was shallow. It can reveal what’s real. It can teach us to trust God not just for what He can do, but for who He is.
I think about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego standing before the furnace in Daniel 3. Their faith was not built on the guarantee that God would keep them from the fire. Their faith was anchored in the confidence that God was worthy even if they had to walk through it.
That challenges me.
Because so often, I want a faith that gets me out of hard things. But God often forms in us a faith that can walk through hard things with Him.
And the beautiful part of the story is that they were not alone in the fire.
There was another in the furnace.
That’s the reminder I need this week. Maybe you do too.
Whatever fire you’re facing - pressure, disappointment, grief, transition, uncertainty, leadership weight, family stress, or quiet battles nobody else sees - God has not abandoned you there.
He is still present.
He is still forming you.
He is still faithful.
And the fire does not get the final word.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”
Daniel 3:16-18 (NIV)
Weekly Resources
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The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry
by John Mark Comer
If there’s one thing I’ve been reminded of lately, it’s how easy it is to live rushed - and how hard it is to hear God when we do. This book has been a helpful reset, especially when it comes to slowing down and being intentional with time and attention.
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We Are On Mission
We Are The Church | Week 4
The Church was never meant to be a place we simply attend. The Church is a people sent on mission.
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SS PODCAST: Colts legend Robert Mathis on his faith in Jesus, prayer, favorite QB to sack
Sports Spectrum - sportsspectrum.com
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Before you move on with your day, maybe take a minute and ask yourself:
What might God be forming in me right now that could only be formed through this season?
Not every hard thing is from God, but nothing is wasted with God.
So keep going.
Keep trusting.
Keep pursuing Jesus.
Even here.
Especially here.
Praying,
Ryan
