Sparks Fly...Rejoice

"And he commanded the most mighty men that were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace."  

Daniel 3:20

Exciting...right off the press of my heart. An ancient story with new revelation.

We've heard the story of the 3 Hebrew children, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, since we began our first Sunday school class as a young child. These dedicated, God-serving, young people would not give in to what the norm was in their day, thus ending up infuriating King Nebuchadnezzar who eventually had them bound and thrown into the fiery furnace.  

We remember the miraculous discovery that although they were in the flames, they were not being burned. Not to mention another man showed up in the fire with them. Hello! Amazing story, right?

The fire actually burned off what had bound these men in the first place. 

True. The fire killed the strong men putting these sold-out, young men into the fire. However, the clothes on these Hebrews didn't burn, their hair, skin....nothing burned except the ropes or whatever was used to bind them up. Isn't that beautiful? Doesn't that encourage you?

The very thing this king designed to kill them is exactly what set them free. 

I know it's simple, but the very same fiery trial the enemy uses to try and trip us up, to make us want to give up, the Lord can turn around and use to our advantage. Remember Joseph telling his brothers, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good"? Same concept here!

We may feel like we're going through the fire today, but if we're God-people, we'll find that while we're in the middle of the fire, our chains will fall off because of the fire. Addiction has to go. Depression has to flee. Insecurity. Discouragement. Defeat. Whatever the enemy has designed to tease you or make you want to throw in the towel today, can be your very source for growth, strength and an overcoming, victorious testimony. That extra man in the fire with you will see to it!

Don't be discouraged if you find yourself in the heat of the battle today. You're not alone. Rejoice! There can be a glorious unfolding of your situation no matter what it looks like. There is hope! Can't you just see the headline tomorrow:

Sparks Fly, Blazing Inferno Consumes, __________ (insert your name) Is Unscathed

"...when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; 
neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
 Isaiah 43:2