Firewalkers fascinate me. These people have a special something that allows them to look down at a bed of hot coals, unbuckle their sandals or peel off their socks, and step right in. Some see it as a rite of passage, a way to conquer fear, or a way to uncover some hidden vein of inner strength. Whatever the reason, something serious is usually at stake.
For Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, the issue was worship. They braved a personal encounter with fire—not just walking over hot coals, but entering a blazing furnace—because they refused to worship a giant totem-like statue erected by King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:18).
So, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, securely tied, fell into the roaring flames” (Daniel 3:23). They should have been instantly incinerated. However, watching closely, Nebuchadnezzar exclaimed, “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god” (Daniel 3:25).
The king called the three friends out of the oven (Daniel 3:26). Amazingly, the fire had not touched the three men; they didn’t even smell like smoke! This prompted Nebuchadnezzar to acknowledge the one true God, saying, “[God] sent His angel to rescue His servants. . . . There is no other god who can rescue like this” (Daniel 3:28-29).
The Bible says, “People are born for trouble as readily as sparks fly up from a fire” (Job 5:7). Are you in trouble today? Maybe the flames of difficulty are leading you to a place where your future is uncertain—maybe your “furnace” is a pending divorce, a serious illness, or a financial disaster.
No matter what it is, God’s presence with you is real. And, if you continue to trust Him, He can use the outcome for His glory. As a firewalker, you can bring glory to God.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Exodus 2:11-25
More:
Read Isaiah 43:1-2 to see God’s heart for those who walk through the fire. Read 1 Peter 1:6-7 to see the result of steadfast faith that has been fashioned in the fire of persecution.
Next:
Why is it so tempting to wander away from God’s ways? How does God respond when we return to Him after backsliding?
nivla on February 1, 2012 at 4:09 am
“No matter what it is, God’s presence with you is real.”
– i love these words. No matter what or how I feel, God is by my side. Allow me Lord to always feel you when times get rough and I am tempted to believe I’m alone. Thank you Lord for your grace. I love you too and I praise You.
jennifer benson schuldt on February 1, 2012 at 3:27 pm
nivla,
Yes, the LORD is present, even when we feel we are alone. The book of Psalms has some great verses to remember in those moments. I like the way the NLT phrases one part of Psalm 23: “Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.”
Jen
lindafrances on February 1, 2012 at 9:50 am
I believe today our fire is our culture and our government. We see a huge push to teach our children that anything goes. If a person stands on God’s word, they are called intolerant. (we don’t and shouldn’t tolerate sin) There are even laws protecting sinful behavior. My heart grieves for my children and grandchildren. We need God to open eyes and change hearts because right now the media is shaping the culture, not God. We must put on end to this.
I am starting prayer in my home with my family (I have 59 first cousins on one side). About thirty years ago, one person in our family heard the gospel and shared it with all. We had prayer groups, bible studies and watched movies like “the Cross and the Switchblade.” We had a revival. It is time for another revival in our family and this country.
We live in a world where Lady Gaga is more revered than Tim Tebow. We see the entertainment industry telling this generation to live the opposite of what God has commanded. Our children, grandchildren and all our loved ones are under attack. Satan does not come like a monster, but someone who is charming and persuasive. As the word says; He comes to steal, kill and destroy. It is time we stake claim to what God has given us and fight for our loved ones.
Our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. I pray we all wake up to the dangers, our children and all people are facing today. Sin is just a website away, but so is God’s word. I pray we choose God.
jennifer benson schuldt on February 1, 2012 at 3:39 pm
lindafrances,
Thank you for sharing the story of how your family came to know Christ. I love to hear about how God works to bring people to Himself. Many attitudes, ways of thinking, and habits become “contagious” within families, and it’s so good to hear of a story where something so positive influenced one member, and spread to the rest. 🙂
Our culture certainly seems to be getting darker by the minute. Just this week, I read about the plague of darkness in Egypt. Before the plague occurred, God said to Moses, “Lift your hand toward heaven, and the land of Egypt will be covered with a darkness so thick you can feel it.” (Exodus 10:21). Sound familiar? I’m so thankful that our God is a God of light, love, and peace. He is our refuge, and He listens when we call out to Him.
2 Corinthians 4:6-7
conmeo on February 1, 2012 at 11:14 pm
Thank you for this wonderful sharing of one of my favorite OT stories. As I move through what has become the furnace of my life its good to have the reminder of who carries me from day to day. Praise Him!
jennifer benson schuldt on February 2, 2012 at 3:40 pm
conmeo,
When you described your life as a furnace, this verse came to mind:
“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
These are the words the prophet Isaiah spoke to the nation of Israel. These thoughts give us hope today, too.
lindafrances on February 2, 2012 at 9:03 am
My favorite version of this story is Veggie Tales.
jennifer benson schuldt on February 2, 2012 at 3:40 pm
🙂
winn collier on February 3, 2012 at 3:55 pm
I recently read Young Men and Fire by Norman McLean, talking about a particular fire in the 70’s — and the kind of men who would jump out of airplanes and into the flames. It connects with your story here and the kind of courage required to obey God when good sense would seem to suggest another path.
jennifer benson schuldt on February 3, 2012 at 6:27 pm
I just added the book to my wishlist! Looks like a great read…