Faith

In today’s scripture readings we have the familiar story of the three brothers Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego who are cast into the furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar who wants to weaken their resolve to follow God’s commands.  He wants them to betray their faith and turn away from God.  Often we too face many heavy demands that can make us wonder if we have any strength left.  We can feel that we are being tested to the extreme.

The three young Israelites are models for us to follow. No matter what threat was flung at them, they refused to succumb to defeat and fear.   Their faith in God could not be shaken.  They knew the reality of God’s abundant love for them.  God would stand by and protect them from all evil and harm.  The same is true for us - God will never abandon us nor will he take his love from us.  All we need to do is surrender our love to the God who has loved us first.  Take some time today as the snow falls to relish the love of God present in your life.

Pat Schifini, OSU