Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” “Look!” he answered, “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.” Daniel 3:24-25 (NKJV)
The Bible is filled with stories of people who had to demonstrate faith in the fire. Noah was asked to build a boat before the water fell from the sky. Abraham was asked to leave his family and travel to a place God would show him. Moses went before pharaoh to deliver a message from God to let the Israelites go. David faced a giant with a slingshot and escaped the jealousy of Saul. Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers and thrown in jail for a crime he did not commit. Esther and her people were destined to die unless she found favor with the king. Daniel faced the lion’s den because he continued to pray as his habit was. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego faced a fiery furnace unless they bowed down to the idol made by the king. Each of these individuals did not know the outcome they should expect. But they each had faith in God that He would follow through on His promise.
Each of us will go through our own trials and tests. We can look back on the things God has done in our life and the lives of others. We can cling to God’s promises in our lives. Things may not turn out the way we want them to, but they will turn out the way that will bring glory to God. We can have faith in the fire too.
Prayer:
God, thank you for reminding me of others that had faith as they went through the fire. Help me to remember all that you have done for me to stir my faith. I will trust that you will direct my future even if I don’t understand what you are doing. In Jesus’ name. Amen.