“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” Daniel 3:17-18
‘Standing outside the fire’ by Garth Brooks makes me think of this story from Daniel.
When standing outside the fire, looking into the inferno that destroys others caught in it, do I have the strength of faith to step into the fire? 10 years ago I would have boldly and proudly answered ‘of course.’
But, then, I faced the furnace and felt the heat rising. I stood before the fire and I trembled and wanted to flee. Like Jonah, I wanted to not have to face the challenge that God placed before me. I didn’t have enough faith to face the blazing heat and I ran from the bright fire into darkness surrounding me.
But then I saw in the darkness and cold that I was afraid for I didn’t feel God close and I turned back to face the furnace. As my eyes of faith focused, I saw my Lord standing in the fiery blaze, waiting for me with a smile to protect and strengthen me.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abed’nego had unwavering faith that God would save them from Nebuchadnezzar’s fire and wrath. But, more so, they knew God would sustain and save them even if the fire consumes their bodies.
Now I see more than ever that standing in the fire with Jesus within God’s Will is exactly where I want to be…close to Jesus in that purifying fire of Mercy and trust.
Yes now I’ve stood in the furnace and felt the heat but I know now that God is present and so in peace I stand within the blaze wrapped and armored by the Divine Will of the Father and finally I can have the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed’nego to rest in God’s hands.
Father in Heaven, protected or consumed, I am Yours and my spirit cries fiat!