Through Fire

We all have to go through difficult times. God will allow us to walk through fire. Sometimes for our repentance. Sometimes for our growth or another’s growth. Either way He allows it for our good. Therefore, what if we change our perspective. What if we could take our focus off the pain and on to what will become of us. Today we use chemicals, but precious metals used to be refined by fire. The extreme temperatures would pull impurities away making it flawless. Free from immoral characteristics. It’s the same for us, an opportunity to be refined and made pure. Would that be worth walking through fire?

The king of Babylon made a huge statue then called an assembly to dedicate it. The herald proclaimed that at the sound, nations and men of every language were to fall down and worship it. “Whoever does not fall down and worship will immediately be thrown into a blazing furnace.” (Daniel 3:6) Three men refused. Shadrach, Meshach and Adebnego would only worship the One True God. The king was furious and had the furnace heated seven times hotter. So hot, the flames killed the soldiers who threw them in. But the king quickly leaped to his feet when he seen the tied men, “Walking around the fire, unbound and unharmed.” (Daniel 3:25) And they were not alone. There was a fourth in the fire with them. In amazement he called them out of the fire. Then he declared to all the people who live in the world that he seen the signs and wonders of the, “Most High God.” (Daniel 4:2)

These men had strong faith. They knew God was able to save them and rescue them, but even if he didn’t they would never serve or worship another God. Listen carefully, our biggest challenge isn’t the fire it’s our faith. It’s trusting God! It’s knowing that there will be another in the fire with us. God says, “When you walk through fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2) I know the fire feels never ending, but eventually it will end. Patiently persevere through the affliction. “Perseverance must finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:4) Tell me, how does not lacking anything sound? I think it sounds flawless, refined and pure. Let’s trust God through the fire.