This post has been something that has been on my heart for awhile now and I just haven’t done anything about it. I am making myself sit here and write; as it is something I have not done in a long time. I’ve been inspired, I’ve wanted to write about many things, but life gets in the way sometimes. I’m beginning to realize I’m not as strong as I think I am. I don’t doubt that I am strong, but there comes a time when you have to let God be God and watch Him do what He does best.
What’s that, you ask?
Oh, He’s a healer, a comforter, a lover, a friend, our protector, a father to the fatherless, He’s mighty and strong, compassionate, a redeemer, ever so faithful, constant, He’s gentle, kind, merciful, the giver of grace, our provider… and He’s jealous for you.
Seek Him. Give it to Him. Trust Him.
I sat down awhile ago and got inspired by the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. If you have never heard of these guys, you can find them in the 3rd chapter of Daniel. Basically, King Nebuchadnezzar has made a gold image and has sent word to all the chief officials, administrators, governors, counselors, treasurers, the judges, magistrates, etc… of all provinces to come see this enormous image that has been built. King Nebuchadnezzar orders that everyone must bow and worship this statue when commanded to, whoever does not, must be thrown into the fiery furnace immediately.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to bow before any other god, which made the king furious. Nebuchadnezzar asked them, “And who is the God who will deliver you from my hands?” The men responded by showing their confidence in God. “…God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.”
The king ordered for the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than it originally was. The men were bound and cast into the furnace. It was so hot the men guiding Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to the fire were killed.
Suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar was astonished and questioned his counselors that indeed, the three men were bound into the fiery furnace. He was assured, yes.
King Nebuchadnezzar answered, “Look! I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
God showed up, as He always does.
(Whether we like His timing or not, it’s always perfect.)
There are many ways to apply this story, but right now only one way seems fitting. Pain, sickness, hurt and diseases plague our world and our families. Those dear to us are suffering. We can all relate to this.
I’m sure of that.
Whether you are the person in the midst of the fiery furnace or you have a loved one in the midst, it affects us all. I can think of a handful of my loved ones and friends who are facing their own fiery furnaces as I write this. Sometimes you can’t do anything but stand in faith with each and every one of them, which is probably the best thing you can do.
Speak Gods Word over their lives.
I declare freedom from fear!
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore I am not ashamed of the testimony of our Lord...
1 Timothy 1:7-8
I will stand firm and claim victory over death!
You will keep in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in God, the Lord, is everlasting strength… Isaiah 26:3-4
…Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your sting?...”
1 Corinthians 15:54(b)-55(a)
We have victory over death because JESUS has already conquered it!
I will walk with them, just as my God is, and believe that they will come out of this fire UNTOUCHED, just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did!
The fire will have no power in their lives.
Our God is a Healer and He has promised to do exceedingly abundantly great things, beyond what we can ask or think.
Thank you, Jesus.
5 years ago
