“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” It almost seems as if James says the trials we endure are blessings from heaven. But aren’t so many things we face today a result of a fallen world? How could I ever think cancer is from heaven? Are those being persecuted for their faith today not suffering hell’s attacks? Are we not supposed to resist the devil? “…because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
At some point in their lives, three young Hebrew boys decided to follow God with all their hearts. Everything from hell comes against such faith. In this case it was an ungodly king, an evil law, and torturous consequences for doing what was right. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego resisted the temptation to compromise in order to save their own lives. They passed a test of faith and learned to persevere. The fiery furnace was simply the result of saying ‘yes’ to God and ‘no’ to the world. In their case, God used strategies from hell to bring Him glory and teach us many things. We learn that those who go into the flames tied up may be set free in the fire. We learn that those who truly walk by faith will not walk alone. And we learn that those who know nothing about the one true God can come to know Him as His children follow Him at any cost. (see Daniel 3)
Lest we think every trial will result in a miracle that overcomes physical death, we simply look to Jesus. As He tried to prepare His disciples for His destiny, Peter vehemently objected. Peter knew hell was at work. Surely heaven would never allow evil men to falsely accuse and kill the only truly good man to ever live. With words that must have shocked Peter, Jesus said, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matt. 16:23) Jesus resisted the devil, but He did not resist the cross. By allowing His Son to endure the most difficult of trials, God gave us the greatest gift from heaven.
Only God can turn the assaults of hell into the purest of gold. None will escape difficulties on this earth, but One has overcome. What hope we have in Him! “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)