Then Nebuchadnezzar was filled with wrath, and his facial expression was changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. He answered by giving orders to heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. And he ordered certain valiant warriors who were in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in order to throw them into the furnace of blazing fire. Then these men were tied up in their trousers, their coats, their caps, and their other clothes, and were thrown into the middle of the furnace of blazing fire. For this reason, because the king’s command was harsh and the furnace had been made extremely hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Daniel 3:19‭-‬22 NASB2020

If you’re wondering why you’ve been going through what you’re going through, let me tell you what God showed me this morning.

Usually, when God takes me on a difficult journey, it’s because He’s trying to show me something. It could be a different path, something I’ve overlooked or missed because my focus is wrong. However, the intensity of what I’m currently experiencing is just plain hot.

You know the kind. It’s so hot you smell the burn. Ever stood too close to a fire because you were cold? It’s not long before it gets uncomfortable, and you back up before your clothes catch fire.

I don’t know how God speaks to you, but He’s always been pretty straightforward with me. Perhaps because I appreciate truth regardless of the price. Well, this truth was pricey. It almost cost me my sanity and my life.

He reminded me of these verses above and the price they paid for what they believed. They stood up for God and refused to bow even though they would likely forfeit their lives.

But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell into the middle of the furnace of blazing fire still tied up. Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astounded and stood up quickly; he said to his counselors, “Was it not three men that we threw bound into the middle of the fire?” They replied to the king, “Absolutely, O king.” He responded, “Look! I see four men untied and walking about in the middle of the fire unharmed, and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods!” Daniel 3:23‭-‬25

If you’re facing the firey furnace in your place, it’s so you can experience the presence of Jesus right there. That’s the trade-off. You’ll never experience that kind of deliverance without the heat you’re facing.

Notice that the only things burnt off were the ropes that bound them. Jesus came to set us free from all that keeps us bound. Perhaps that’s a part of why you’re going through your fire.

I don’t pretend to know. But let me tell you this; I finally felt hope for the first time in a long time. I began talking to Jesus in my fire, knowing He’s the only one who can bring me safely through.

I’ll take His presence with me and come out without a burn on my body or even smelling like smoke. Sandy G