TESTED BY FIRE
By Carolyn Dale Newell
If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
Dan. 3:17 (NKJV)
These were the words of Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-Nego just before they were thrown into the fiery furnace for not bowing down to worship the gold image. They also told King Nebochadnezzar that they would never worship his gods, even if they were not delivered. They were thrown into the furnace and the king was amazed at what his eyes beheld. He saw four men walking and loosed, and one was like the Son of God (v.25).
When they came out of the furnace, their clothes didn’t have the slightest hint of smoke on them. Their hair was not singed (v. 27).
Peter writes, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,”(1 Peter 1:6-7).
Those three young men emerged from the fire with stronger faith. They knew their salvation was genuine.
Are you going through the fire? Can you trust God to deliver you? Just as the Lord was in the fiery furnace with the three Hebrews, He is with you too. You may be surrounded by frightening flames, but something awaits you on the other side of them.
Once you emerge from the flames, there will be noticeable changes. You will have the fragrance of the grace of God, not the scent of smoke or burnt ashes. You will have confidence that God still delivers His children from the fire. The heat may become unbearable, but the healing will be unbelievable.
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for going through fiery trials with us. It is so comforting to know that You are our deliverer. Help us when the heat becomes intense and the flames are upon us. Thank You for the work You are accomplishing during these times of testing. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Dan. 3. What is God saying to you today through this passage?
HIKING THE TRAIL What specific changes have you noticed about yourself when you have emerged from the fire?
Copyright 2015 Carolyn Dale Newell
A Mountain of Faith 
Hey, Carolyn! I am in the fire, right now, and I know this story and my faith is true but even so I needed the reminder. Thank you.
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Lord Jesus, I thank You for staying by my sister’s, Shelby’s side as she goes through the fire. Please bring her through just as You did with the 3 Hebrews, untainted. Allow her to feel Your peace and comfort through this time Pour out Your grace upon her. Strengthen her,so she will emerge stronger and shining for You. Thank You for what miracles You will do in her life. In Jesus’ name, amen. I’ll keep praying for you, Shelby.
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