I’ve been
thinking a lot about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Just when they though
their suffering was at its peak, they were thrown into a fiery furnish but to
their astonishment, they were not burned. What kept them from being burned? The
Lord’s presence. What kept them from frantically losing their mind and endless
worries? The Lord’s presence.
Recently, I
feel as though I’ve been tossed into the refiner’s fire myself. There are days
when I feel at the end of my rope. The Holy Spirit brings the words of Isaiah, “Do
not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine…When
you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, nor will the flame burn
you.” The only thing that keeps me from getting burned during these toasty
times is the presence of the Lord.
At times
the flames surround us, and we fear complete and total devastation. In these
times, I tend to worry and think of every possible scenario. I begin planning
out my next moves, based on all the possibilities. I am reminded of the past
which at times threatens to strangle me. And then, gently the Spirit nudges me with
these words, “Do not call to mind the former things, or ponder things of the
past. Behold, I will do something new…I will even make a roadway in the
wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43).
The
Sovereignty of God is what gives me hope for tomorrow – hope that today’s hurts
are not in vain. They are preparations for the future. So, if you are going
through your own time of suffering, draw near to God. Allow His presence to
comfort you and give you peace so that you will not get burned. Shadrach,
Meshach, and Abednego could have grumbled against the Lord for allowing such
persecution when they were doing all they could to obey and follow God. They
didn’t. They trusted in Him regardless of the outcome. “Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us
from the furnace of blazing fire…but even if He does not, let it be known to
you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden
image that you have set up,”
Will you
trust God regardless of the outcome?
Will I?
Labels: Inspirational
