Glorifying the Lord in the Fires of Affliction

"Wherefore glorify ye the Lord in the fires." The suffering child of God will glorify Him in the fires by three principal means.

First, by acknowledging His power. The same Almighty One who fed Elijah in the terrible days of dearth, and who delivered Daniel from the power of the lions, still watches over and provides for His people. Second, by recognising His wisdom. He knows—as no short-sighted mortal can—when it is safe for us to enjoy prosperity, and when it is needful for our soul's health to endure disappointment and trouble. Third, by frank acknowledgment of His goodness. If our Heavenly Father had ceased to feel an interest in our welfare, He would not have employed the means to do us good.

The fires in which we glorify God take many forms: determined self-humiliation in unpleasant religious duties; personal troubles that perplex us; the trials of others; bodily afflictions; fiery darts of temptation as Paul experienced; enmity against the Church from foes within and without; and fear of death itself. Yet One is ever present in these fires. Christ entered them once, alone, and now leads others safely through. These fires burn by God's permission—like powerful remedies of surgeon or physician—to manifest His chosen, to purify the soul, and to strengthen faith. Opposition itself invigorates the believer.