The old man was now over ninety years of age. He had served God long and faithfully. Now, he was being led out to die. His death was not on a comfortable bed at home or even in a nice clean hospital. He was being led out to be burned at the stake.

What had he done? Why was he being put to death by the people and the soldiers? He was being burnt because he was a CHristian, a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Many centuries ago, Polycarp of Smyrna, was a well known leader amongst the Christians. Everyone looked up to him and respected him - everyone except those who hated the Christians. At that time, persecution was very common. Torture, beatings and even death were what some Christians had to endure.

Polycarp was taken out of prison one day and brought for his final trial. He had trusted Christ as his Savior many, many years before. He had trusted Him as well for his life and service. He had learned that God can be trusted.

He was given one final chance to renounce Christianity and to say something against Christ. The stake at which he would be burned was right there. The choice was his. He could deny Christ and live; he could honor Christ and die.

As he looked at his accusers and haters, as he looked at the stake and the fire, and as he looked beyond it all to eternity, he said, "Six and eighty years have I served Him and He has done me nothing but good. How could I revile my Lord and Savior?"

The anger of his accusers became even greater. They almost wanted to tear him apart. Some ran for nails to actually nail him to the stake. But he stopped them by saying, "Leave me thus. He who has strengthened me for the flames, will also enable me to stand firm at the stake."

Calmly and with dignity he stood at the stake as those who hated him set the fire around him.

Can God be trusted?

As Polycarp stood amidst the flames, his voice was heard to rise over it all as he worshipped God. So angered were his enemies that they rushed upon him, not waiting for the flames to kill him, and put a sword into his side. Polycarp was home with the Lord. God did not deliver him from the flames, but He took him home to heaven out of the flames.

God can be trusted.