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.
Daniel 3:17 NKJV
The sultry smoke choked the three Hebrews as the soldiers shoved them towards the blazing furnace. Their eyes stung. Through parched lips, they worshipped God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Negi were the only ones who refused to bow down to King Nebuchadnezzar ‘s gold statue. Even in the face of death, they only worshipped the one true God. Their courage rang out as they declared their God would deliver them. And if not, they would never bow down to another.
The king’s anger burned hotter than the furnace, but soon a chill ran down his spine. They had thrown three men bound in to the fiery furnace, but Nebuchadnezzar couldn’t believe his eyes. He saw four men loose and unharmed, walking amidst the flames, and one of them resembled the Son of God. The king ordered the Hebrews to be released from the furnace. They emerged without a hint of smoke and not even their hair was singed.
Look at our focal verse. These men possessed strong faith before their fiery trial. They didn’t wait until the heat rose. This reminds me why I need to refuse to drift from God during the good times. We need our daily conversations with God and meditation upon His Word. We need faith before the fire.
Notice that the three Hebrews were in the will of God when they went into the fire. Trials happen to Christians walking in God’s perfect will.
The king gives us evidence that God never leaves us nor forsakes us (Heb. 13:5). I remember the long days of depression when God was nowhere to be found. “Where are You?” I cried, without a reply. The hardest place to be is separated from God, but I knew He never left, even though I couldn’t sense Him. He walks with us through the fire.
The only thing the scorching flames burned off these men were the ropes that bound them. That fire had no power over them. They were kept safe, and so are we. Worldliness will burn off. Addictions will be snuffed out. attitudes will be adjusted, but the fire never burns us.
We can learn how to handle a fire from the three Hebrews. They didn’t curl up in that furnace. They stood their ground. They walked with Jesus. They kept moving, refusing to allow the sweltering heat to slow them down.
Friend, are you going through the fire today? Allow the truths from this passage to encourage you. Trust God like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. Refuse to let the intense heat stop you. Know, without a doubt, that Jesus is right there with you, walking through the smoldering blaze. But it cannot harm you, only refine you. Don’t fear the fire. Jesus made you fireproof.
Lord God, give us fireproof faith! We praise You for always being constant through the fire. Help us remember we are never alone. We are covered by the blood of Jesus. Amen.
Dig Deeper
Read Daniel 3
HIKING THE TRAIL
If you find yourself walking among the flames today, be encouraged that Jesus walks with you, never leaving you. Stand tall and always move forward.
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Originally posted on September 21, 2020 @ 4:02 pm