In Daniel 3 we read the account of three young men who faced a trial of their faith. These young men had been removed from their homes and the influence of their family and peers. They had already overcome the temptation to compromise, now they were confronted with a life or death choice.

When given one last chance, they affirmed their commitment to stand firm in their faith. They would not bow to the pressure to conform. They would not follow the crowd in worshiping a false god. Faithfulness to their God was worth their very lives. They trusted that the Creator of the universe was more powerful than a man-made god of gold.

Not knowing the outcome, they stood firm in the face of death. They literally walked through the fire. This strength of character and perseverance is only possible when one is grounded in the faith. That is our task as youth workers: first to BE, then to EQUIP others to be grounded in the faith so as to stand true.