MINISTER'S BLOG   June 2026

 Many of us are familiar with the story in Daniel 3, often called “The fiery furnace”. It is one of those stories that we are taught as children because it is a dramatic story of standing up to the bullies, of good overcoming bad, of faith in the face of adversity.
 
  I urge you to re-read the whole chapter, as it is a powerful image of faith, how we approach difficult situations, and the impact that our faith in those situations can have on others. 
 
  “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” ~ Daniel 3:17-18
 
  There are 2 hugely powerful and often overlooked words in these verses. Even if. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were given an ultimatum - bow down to the idol or face death in the fiery furnace. Their faith was so strong that they believed God would rescue them. However, whatever the outcome, they would rather face death than compromise their faith. The result, as we read, is that God does indeed rescue them and Nebuchadnezzar orders his Kingdom to become worshippers of God.
 
  As Christians in 21st Century Britain we are rarely likely to face this level of persecution for our faith, although we do know that sadly many Christians around the world do face those dangers. But we do all face trials of many kinds. And that's where our “even if” faith comes in. No matter what you may be facing, go into your situation full of faith, in the knowledge that God is with you. 
 
  Keep praising God. Even if you fail your exam. Even if your loved one dies. Even if you live with long term pain. Even if you don't get the job. Even if the longed for baby doesn't come. Even if the door remains closed. Whatever your “even if” situation is, keep the faith and keep praising God. Even if the outcome isn't what we prayed for, God is still good. Because God's goodness isn't only proven through miracles, but is revealed through His closeness and His faithfulness. Because others will see your faith and ask “What keeps you smiling?”, “Why aren't you cross at God?”
 
  Whatever you may be facing in your life, whatever your “even if” moment may look like, take the opportunity to declare and share your faith to those around you. It is often in those “even if” situations that the Gospel can be so powerfully experienced - and shared.
 
Nigel