When You Walk Through The Fire

“I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the god’… so Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the fire. Daniel 3:25-26

The other evening I was watching the evening news and they were talking about the upcoming wildfire season. They warned of the dangers of potential wildfires that can sweep across California and the U.S.

This news story reminded me of the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3. These men refused to bow down and worship false gods and instead stayed true to their faith in the one true God, Yahweh.

Even though this fate likely meant certain death, they told Nebuchadnezzar that they believed that God was able to save them. “But even if he does not . . . we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

As they went into the fire, they did not know what would happen. They had to walk by faith and trust God, believing that He was with them. Only after they were in the fire, did they see His hand. Their faith was rewarded. Even Nebuchadnezzar recognized that they were not in the fire alone.

Because they had been faithful and trusted God, Nebuchadnezzar and all the other Babylonian officials had the opportunity to realize that their God was real. He was able to demonstrate that He was real after they had proven themselves faithful to Him through the trial.

They had experienced the reality of God’s promise to Isaiah. “When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn you” (Isaiah 43:2). That is His promise to us, as it was to the Hebrews.

Thought For Today: Remember that God is with you in the midst of every situation. You may not know in advance what will happen. But you can move forward by faith and trust Him, regardless of circumstances. This story also reminds us that others will see and believe in God when we remain faithful.

Today’s Prayer Focus: Thank God for His promise to be with us as we go through the fiery trials of life. Deo Volente.