Not Alone (II)
Last week we were reminded that we are not meant to walk the Christian life by ourselves. We saw through 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 that we should speak to others when we are struggling. This is so that we can receive encouragement and prayer from fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as to show others how God carries us through our struggles. While last week we focused on the importance of the body of Christ when we are struggling, this week I want to point out something that is just as important but often seems to be overlooked.
Just as there is an oxymoron that we need to be the “perfect” Christian who never has any struggles, there is another misconception that we cannot turn to God when we are struggling. And just as we have seen that we should share with others our struggles; this week we will see that God is with us not just during the times when life is easy, but also when it is difficult.
In 2 Corinthians 1:8-11, Paul discussed how he and Timothy were so disheartened by their situation that they could find no joy. In the scripture that we will discuss today, we will see three men who were physically in a situation that would be impossible to walk out of if it wasn’t for Christ.
“And he ordered some of the mighty men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their cloaks, their tunics, their hats, and their other garments, and they were thrown into the burning fiery furnace. 22 Because the king's order was urgent and the furnace overheated, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell bound into the burning fiery furnace.”
Daniel 3:20-23
In this passage, we find three men who refused to worship a false god but only the one true God that they were tossed into a furnace so hot that it burned the men who opened the furnace. Personally, I could not think of a worse place to be. However, as we will see in verse 25, these men were unharmed.
“He answered and said, “But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods.”
Daniel 3:25
Three men went into the furnace, and yet King Nebuchadnezzar saw four. While this event actually happened there is serious symbolism that we can apply to it today. While we may not physically be inside of a furnace, that does not mean that we are not facing situations that seem impossible for us to handle. While many would have been frightened at the possibility of being burned alive, these three men faced it. And that is because of the knowledge that they had, that God would see them through it. Even if it meant death, these three men would not submit to the king’s order to worship anyone but God.
Today we are all facing some type of challenge that may seem as if we are inside a furnace. Instead of fear or doubt, I ask that you remember how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego handled their situation. They knew that God would see them through this challenge, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.17 If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king.18 But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18. Just as God saw these men through their situation, He will see you through it as well.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex