As a deployed Army Chaplain I had   the privilege of serving brave soldiers going into combat. One of their forms of protection is a vehicle that has been ‘armoured up’ by adding extra steel plating around it.

It’s interesting to see what else some military personnel look to for hope and protection. Some pack their lucky charms and rosary beads, or wear bracelets of karma. Some trust in Christian symbols, like having a cross, as if the symbols themselves offer protection. But is this all the Christian faith has to offer?

Daniel’s three friends faced a blazing furnace with true ‘armoured up’ faith. They believed God was able to save them and that He would indeed do so (Dan. 3:17). But they didn’t stop there: These young men made it clear that they didn’t just assume He would! They said that even if they were to die in the furnace they would not worship an idol (v.18).

With true armoured up faith we too can withstand whatever God allows. We will fear only God, who alone can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matt. 10:28). It is then that our crosses will become aids to remind us of our powerful, faithful God, and not be a substitute for Him!

Don’t substitute faith in an Almighty God for faith in an ordinary object.

Author

Erik J. Gramling

Topics

Our Daily Bread