Religion & Spirituality
Daniel 3:1, 8-30; 1 Peter 4:12-18; John 16:23–33. As we witness the great miracle of God’s rescue of His faithful servants from the fiery furnace, we are reminded that this is not an isolated ancient story. Troubles and trials come to each of us. The troubles of the world confront us every day—troubles in the news, troubles in our families, troubles within ourselves, troubles at work or at school. Jesus knows the world. So He said to His disciples, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). Yet the final word of this Easter season is not trouble. It is hope through the resurrection of Jesus in defeat of all of this world’s troubles. “Take heart; I have overcome the world,” Jesus said. Being a follower of Jesus never protects us from experiencing the world’s troubles. It does give us hope. It does fill us with courage. It does strengthen our hearts.