Be Prepared for the Furnace of Affliction

Knowing that suffering is inevitable are you prepared for the many difficulties and challenges that await you in the future?  How will you respond to them?  Will you respond with self control, conviction, and faith that the LORD is sovereign and will provide for you and protect you until He is ready to take you home?  How does a person prepare for the day of the fiery furnace of affliction?  The lesson this morning is designed using the Scriptures to give us God's answer on how to be prepared for the inevitable.  Let us look at the example of three young men of faith and learn from them.  Then let us turn to the teachings given to the Apostle Paul as he encourages us to be prepared and equipped for every temptation, challenge, or affliction that will come our way.