Topic: Look for God’s Presence
Life is filled with fiery trials and situations that test our faith, challenge our resolve and stretch our endurance. These "fires" can come in the form of persecution, loss, hardship, opposition or even spiritual battles. But for the child of God, no fire is ever faced alone. God has promised to stand with His people in their most trying moments, proving that His presence is not absent in adversity. When the three Hebrew men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, stood firm in their faith and refused to bow to the idol of Nebuchadnezzar, they were cast into a burning furnace. But to the amazement of all, a fourth man, divine in appearance, was seen walking with them. This profound demonstration of divine companionship teaches us that God does not abandon His own, even amid flames. God standing in the fire signifies His unwavering faithfulness, protective presence and power to deliver. He does not always remove the fire, but He ensures that we are not consumed by it.
What made them stand up for God like that?
1. They knew God’s Word. They were familiar with the law of Moses. They had godly parents who had instilled in them a love of God’s word and a love of doing right and obeying God.
2. They had each other. Do not underestimate the strength we draw from our Christian friends. It’s not so hard to believe that these three friends found strength and comfort in numbers.
3. They had an example. It was Daniel (Daniel 1:8-15) who first led the others in defying the godless ordinances of Babylon.
4. They had faith in God’s presence. In Daniel 3:16-18, we read, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”
One of the greatest assurances we have is that God does not forsake His people when they go through the fire. God promised in Isaiah 43:2 that when we pass through the fire, we shall not be burned, because He is with us. In Daniel 3:28-29, the fire did not harm the Hebrew men because God’s presence overrode the natural effects of the flame (Daniel 3:27).
Look for God’s presence while faced with a trail. His presence will guide you through the fire.
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem