IN FRONT OF THE FURNACE
Today's reading: Daniel 1-6

"Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego replied, O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn't, Your Majesty can be sure that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up." Daniel 3:16-18 NLT

Maybe you're in the same spot the three Hebrew boys were in--feeling the heat of a raging fire, a painful trial or an awful experience. Quite possibly you're close enough that the heat from the furnace of refining is causing a sweat to break out on your upper lip.

You'd asked God to rescue you from harm, tribulations and heartache--but here you stand, in front of the fire, or the firing squad.

You'd kept your nose in the Word, seeking His face, wanting Him to know your commitment to Him, your desire to see Him act--but here you are, facing persecution.

You'd prayed. You'd asked others to pray. You'd prayed that others would pray.

And to add insult to injury, you've just watched as 'they', your enemies' have thrown another shovel of coal into the furnace.

Will you still stand strong? Will you continue to serve, praise and trust the One who has redeemed you for a purpose? Even if your request isn't answered, will you still worship Him?

You can handle the heat of the furnace if you'll remember He's holding your hand!