What its Like to Walk Through the Fire

What it's Like to Walk Through the Fire

1/3/2023

This past Fall, while I was reading through the Bible with the Sweeter Than Honey Bible reading plan and devotional, on September 12, I came to Daniel chapters 1-3.

There, in Daniel 1, we read about what it's like to walk through the fire—literally.

From Sweeter Than Honey: Some of you know what it’s like to walk through the fire. Some of you have walked that walk. You may be walking that walk today. I’m not sure how anyone walks the walk through the fire alone, without God. In Daniel 1, we meet Daniel and his three friends— Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, or better known as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The Bible tells us that these four boys were “youths without blemish, of good appearance and skillful in all wisdom, endowed with knowledge, understanding learning, and competent to stand in the king's palace” (Daniel 1:4).

We also read that “Daniel replied with prudence and discretion” (Daniel 1:14).

Before we go any further, I want to point out one thing, and that’s back up at the beginning of the chapter. “In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand” (Daniel 1:1-2). The keywords here are “And the Lord gave” (1:2). Daniel and his friends are taken to Babylon because God allowed it. When you and I walk through the fire, it’s because God allows it.

In chapter 2 of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, has a dream and he not only wants his dream to be interpreted, but he also wants the interpreter to tell him what the dream was. This is no small thing. But Daniel is up to the task because God is up to the task! Daniel’s prayer:

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to Whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; He reveals deep and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. To You, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for You have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we asked of You, for You have made known to us the king's matter.” (Daniel 2:20-23)

Daniel tells King Nebuchadnezzar that he can tell the king the dream and interpret it because “there is a God in Heaven Who reveals mysteries” (Daniel 2:28). When Daniel does this, the king falls on his face and says, “Truly, your God is God of gods and Lord of kings, and a revealer of mysteries, for you have been able to reveal this mystery” (Daniel 2:47).

Because Daniel was able to tell the king his dream and interpret it, he was promoted to ruler over the province and chief over all the wise men of Babylon. Daniel remembered his friends and made a request of the king. So the king “appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon” (Daniel 2:49). Daniel 3:8-30 records the account of the fiery furnace that these three had to walk through. Today, as we read this, let’s remember how God is also with us through any “fiery furnace” we walk through. "…for there is no other god who is able to rescue in this way" (Daniel 3:29).

How has God walked with you through the fire?

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10 Comments

Barbara Harper link

1/3/2023 09:58:46 am

Those are two things that help greatly when walking through the fire--knowing that God has allowed it, and He is with us.

Patsy Burnette link

1/3/2023 10:06:01 am

Barbara, I believe the way we walk through the fiery trials of life totally depends on how much we trust God. And actually, our walk is a reflection of our trust in Him. And, as you say, knowing God has allowed it and that He is with us deepens that trust.

Mary Geisen link

1/3/2023 11:05:37 am

I love the story of Daniel and how God shows up just when we need Him. I believe that is what walking in the fire is. God is with us, protecting us always and sometimes it takes a bigger challenge for us to see that.

1/3/2023 01:08:20 pm

His timing is always nothing but perfect isn't it, Mary!? So good to hear from you. :)

Joanne Viola link

1/6/2023 07:52:34 am

Patsy, such a good reminder at the start of a new year. God has been, is, and will be with us in whatever challenges we face this year. May we trust Him for He is faithful.

1/25/2024 06:06:43 pm

Absolutely, Joanne!! These words are a powerful reminder that, as we step into a new year, we can find strength and reassurance in the unwavering presence of God. Trusting in His faithfulness allows us to face challenges with hope and courage, knowing that we are not alone. May the coming year be filled with blessings, growth, and the assurance that God's guidance will be with us every step of the way. Thank you for sharing this encouraging comment!

Lesley link

1/6/2023 10:22:44 am

It's hard to understand why God allows some of the things he does at times, but it is comforting to know that he has a purpose and that he is with us even in the tough times.

1/25/2024 06:08:52 pm

Your comment resonates with me deeply, Lesley. Indeed, grappling with the reasons behind certain events can be challenging, and the "why" may remain elusive. Yet, finding comfort in the belief that God has a purpose, even in the midst of difficult times, is a source of strength. The assurance of His presence provides solace and the understanding that we are not navigating challenges alone. In the face of uncertainty, may you continue to find strength and peace in your faith, trusting that God's plan unfolds with wisdom beyond our understanding.

Paula Short link

1/12/2023 10:10:04 am

Oh boy has God ever walked through many fires with me. The interesting thing is that I didn't recognize he was there until I submitted quit my crap and followed him, not just lukewarm like I had been. Then when I looked back, I was like " God I can see you were there". Now I can see him in my everyday because I seek in my everyday.
Thanks bunches for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friend's this month sweet friend.

1/25/2024 06:11:08 pm

What a powerful testimony, Paula!! It's incredible how, in moments of reflection, we can see God's presence and guidance throughout the challenges we've faced. Your journey of wholeheartedly following Him and seeking His presence in your everyday life is indeed inspiring. It's a beautiful reminder that, even in times when we may not initially recognize His presence, God walks with us through every fire. Thank you for sharing your heartfelt comment. May your continued seeking lead to even deeper connections with God in your everyday moments. Blessings to you, friend!

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