Read: Daniel 3

Nebuchadnezzar replied, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the fourth has the appearance of a god.” Daniel 3:25

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego got burned, figuratively, not literally. They were required to bow down to a golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had erected, and they refused. Even though they had, up until that time, been trusted advisors and administrators of the king, they got thrown into a fiery furnace as punishment. It was both cruel and unfair, like so much of life. They got burned for holding on to their faith.

However, in the furnace, they were accompanied by someone who had “the appearance of a god.” They were not alone.

There are so many times when life seems to throw us into the fire. We get burned—at work, at home, in relationships. It happens, and it hurts. But we are told throughout the Bible that we are not alone in the flames. Jesus is with us, and Jesus is well acquainted with the furnace. Jesus made it through, and he intends for us to make it through, as well!

Do you remember a time when you were “getting burned,” only to discover that you were not alone?

Lord, there are times in my life when the heat gets turned up, when I get into hot water, and when it feels as if I might get burned. You do not promise me that I wont get thrown in the furnace, but You do promise to be with me whenever flames threaten to engulf my life. Thank You for being there! In Jesusname, I pray. AMEN.