“Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual 20 and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. 21 So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace. 22 The king’s command was so urgent and the furnace so hot that the flames of the fire killed the soldiers who took up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, 23 and these three men, firmly tied, fell into the blazing furnace. 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” 25 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”
Daniel 3:19-25
Before The Fire
The future of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn’t look so bright, but we need to understand that life is not all roses and butterflies. We all know by experience that we experience the bitter and the sweet. These men were confident in God’s ability to deliver them, yet they were looking forward to a new home, where they could be with the God they served.
How much effort have you invested into being satisfied in this world? Would you be able to give it all up in a moment and without advanced notice? What if you had to live the rest of your life in a concentration camp for Christians? For many of our brothers and sisters around the world, that is their reality. Pray for them.
Our faith makes us different. Our faith can make us look crazy to the world, but we know that our destiny is so much greater than the destruction of our bodies. It is an honor to suffer for the Lord and to die for Him, but God told King Nebuchadnezzar, “Not this time!”
In The Fire
God made a fool out of King Nebuchadnezzar. The king turned up the heat, only to roast his own soldiers. They were like flame-grilled burritos, wrapped in the foil of their armor. The truth is that God was already present, waiting to defend His servants and be glorified in their greatest storm.
How great a salvation! Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were tied up like a pork roast and everything they wore was flammable. How could they not even smell burned? Not even a hair on their head was pressed by the heat. Come on now! We serve a God who is a consuming fire. That man-made furnace was terribly hot, but God says,
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
Isaiah 43:2
If God is For Us…
It was God who flooded the earth, but saved Noah’s family. God parted the Red Sea through Moses and tore down the walls of Jerico. God’s power was in David’s sling to slay Goliath, and it was He who caused Israel to defeat enemy armies.
Did you know that God is able to do the same for you? It doesn’t mean that you won’t experience the heat of the fiery trial, or that you won’t have to face your enemies, but God will defeat them.
The devil wants to destroy God’s people and the demonic forces of darkness don’t want you to care about what’s going on around you. They love it when Christians get rocked to sleep by the desire to live a “normal” life. We give them the space to gain more territory and influence when we refuse to carry out the mission that God has placed His church here for.
Our faith must go through the fire to be purified. We must stand against the darkness to let our light shine. We must wait on the Lord and believe that He hears us. Whether we’re going through the storm, through the wilderness, or the fire, know that you are not alone. Jesus is with you.
More From This Series:
When Your Faith Faces the Fire | Part 4: New Orders
When the world hates you, it’s not a bad thing. Walk through the fire.
Keep readingWhen Your Faith Faces the Fire | Part 2: More Haters
Our haters will increase in the last days.
Keep readingWhen Your Faith Faces the Fire | Part 1: It’s “G.O.E.”
Is your faith “GOE,” or is it “TBD?” The fire will put it to the test.
Keep readingSalvation Plan
Today, if you have not received Salvation or you would like to rededicate your life back to Christ, say this prayer:
God, I know that I am a sinner. Right now, Lord, I turn from my sins, and I ask you to forgive me. Jesus, I believe that you died on the cross and rose from the grave, for me. I open my heart and life for You to come in, and I receive You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You, God for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Read the Book of John in the Bible. Find out who Christ is, and how He loves you, yes you!
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Love,
Randomnestfamily