Even in the Fire
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and the rivers will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, and the flame will not burn you. Isaiah 43:2
Fall arrived yesterday. Cooler temps, changing leaves, fall decor, and pumpkin spice are right around the corner. This time of year, gatherings around the fire pit with a big fire, making s’mores becomes a regular occurrence for many people. Who doesn’t love a good fire on a cool fall night and the rich, yummy taste of graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallow? Have you ever noticed after leaving the fire pit behind that you smell like smoke? Your clothes. Your hair. You really cannot get beyond until you shower and change your clothes. Have you ever gotten too close to the fire, so much so that it singed your hair? I have a couple of times. Talk about scary.
Turn in your Bibles to Daniel 3:1-30 and read the passage. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were Israelites who were exiled to Babylon under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar. They, along with Daniel, refused to be defiled by the King’s diet and ended up healthier than the other men. God gave these men great knowledge, getting the attention of the King. He appointed them to manage the province of Babylon. Daniel could interpret dreams, and he did that for the King. After Daniel shared the meaning of the dream, which was about a golden statue, the King had such a statue erected and ordered the people to bow to it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. When they did, the King ordered the furnace to be turned up seven times hotter and had the three men thrown in it.
In Daniel 3:17-18, the three men said, “If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and he can rescue us from the power of you, the king. But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.” The furnace was so hot that even the men who threw the friends in died from being burned alive. But when the King looked into the furnace, the three men who were thrown in it were not dead or consumed. In fact, they were walking around with a fourth person. Who was the fourth figure? Jesus. He was there to save and spare their lives because of their obedience. The Bible tells us that after they were pulled from the furnace, not a hair was singed and they did not even smell like smoke! Crazy, right? Because of these men’s obedience, faith and willingness to take a stand, they had a huge impact on others and on the king himself. Go back and reread verses 28-29. King Nebuchadnezzar actually gave praise to God and issued a decree to the people!
When we are obedient to God, we get to experience the fullness of God’s will and plans for our lives. Even when things get hard and we are faced with tough times, He is always with us. He didn’t keep the three men out of the fire, but He joined them in it. He walks with us through our tough times, too. We must always be willing to stand for what is right, just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did. They knew what was coming if they refused to follow the King, but they did not let that stop them. When we are obedient and faithful, others notice. The men had faith that God would provide and protect them, and He did. He will do the same for us!
Call to Action
Where are you being pressured to compromise your faith to fit in or avoid conflict?
What idols (approval, success, comfort, etc.) are you tempted to bow to today?
What fires (challenges, trials, decisions) are you facing right now?
Are you more focused on getting out of the fire or meeting God in it?
How might your obedience under pressure impact others, like it did for King Nebuchadnezzar?
Digging Deeper
Read these additional Scripture passages: Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9, Psalm 139:7-10, Luke 6:46, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Hebrews 10:23, James 1:12. Read Daniel 6:10-28 for another example of obedience and taking a stand even when faced with possible dire consequences.
Prayer
God, Give me the desire to follow and obey You. Help me to feel Your presence and know that You are always with me. Grant me the courage to stand for You even when it costs something. If You don’t change my situation, help me trust that You are still good. Amen.
Copyright © 2025 Kyle Cravens
