Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18 NKJV

1 Peter 4:12 says, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” Why? Hopefully because of your faith in the power of God, His promise, and His character and integrity as Sovereign God—you are fireproof. To be fireproof is to be able to withstand great heat or fire; it is to be resistant to destruction by fire. Fiery trials in your life may not be literal fiery furnaces, but it can feel that way in crumbling marriage, imminent financial ruin, having an incurable sickness, etc.

A fireproof safe is designed to resist extreme heat and flames to protect the contents, per the fire-resistance specifications. God has designed us—not to resist the heat and fire—but to endure the fiery trial. Our best example of this is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego and their fiery furnace ordeal. They displayed the following characteristics of fireproof faith:

(1) Boldness (Dan. 3:18, 19). They didn’t just “talk the talk”; they walked the walk. Their faith had bold corresponding actions (Jas. 2:26); (2) Fearless (Dan. 3:20, 21). They didn’t resist or try to escape the trial, no matter how fiery the furnace may have been. They allowed patience to work in the trying of their faith (Jas. 1:2-4); (3) Relentless (Dan. 3:22). They were determined, unyielding, and unswerving trusting in God‘s deliverance notwithstanding the threat. They confirmed that the righteous is delivered from trouble, and it comes to the wicked instead (Prov.11:8); (4) Humility (Dan. 3: 23). No matter what, they fell down on “bended knees” in a show of humility and prayer, believing for God’s deliverance (1 Peter 5:6-7; Ps. 34:7-8); and, (5) they showed that fireproof faith seeks to please the God at all times; as a result, they were delivered by the Angel of the Lord (Jesus) and regained their favor with the wicked king (Prov. 16:7).

Beloved, you too have fireproof faith, and in this you can greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you may have been grieved by various fiery trials; but know this—that the testing of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:6-7).