I normally only write on here once a week, but I feel prodded to write again today. Lets take a step back from our dive into Mark and go back to the Old Testament for today's truth! This is a common Sunday school story, but I hope to bring it into the light again with some new insight to some! Flip your Bible open to Daniel 3!
I'm not going to go through the whole chapter, but if it's been a while, please reread it.
"Then Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and his attitude toward them changed. He ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and commanded some of the strongest soldiers in his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace. So these men, wearing their robes, trousers, turbans and other clothes, were bound and thrown into the blazing furnace." Daniel 3:19-21
These young men stood for there faith, trusted in God, and this was their earthly reward! The furnace was the hottest it's ever been! The strongest men tied them up! Finally, they were thrown in before they could even change into something that was worth less than their expensive King's Official outfits! Sounds like something we'd all wish for.... Said no one ever!
They didn't know the outcome in advance. To them, they'd rather die than worship something other than God! God is so faithful, so good, that He provided!
"Nebuchadnezzar then approached the opening of the blazing furnace and shouted, “Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, servants of the Most High God, come out! Come here!” So Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego came out of the fire, and the satraps, prefects, governors and royal advisers crowded around them. They saw that the fire had not harmed their bodies, nor was a hair of their heads singed; their robes were not scorched, and there was no smell of fire on them." Daniel 3:26-27
We all have heard this, God sometimes allows persecution to test our faith in Him! They trusted Him, and He delivered them! Did you notice something, they were unharmed. However, we sometimes look past verse 25! Not only did we already know they were unharmed, but verse 25 says something even more!
"He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:25
They were also unbound! They came into the hottest furnace, bound! God not only delivers them from the hottest fire, but brings them out extremely unharmed AND unbound!
Sometimes God allows THE FIRE of Persecution for His name with the means to BURN OFF the things that hold you back!
Some fear persecution because they are afraid God isn't big enough to provide a better way out. Moreover, some fear persecution because in the process they are bound by other struggles as they stand in the persecution. These bindings don't allow them to defend themselves in those vital moments. God however hopes to teach us how even in moments when satan hopes to destroy us, God can use them to remove these bindings for good!
What binds you in moments of persecution?
Do you believe God wants to burn off your bindings?
I love you Beloved!
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