Daniel 3:25a "He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire…"
"The fire did not arrest their motion; they walked in the midst of it…The comfort of Christ's revelation is not that it teaches emancipation from sorrow, but emancipation through sorrow."~George Matheson
Psalm 66:12b "…we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place."
It is difficult to keep moving when the fire ignites around us. We feel the heat suddenly hit us, and we stop dead in our tracks to gaze at the fury of the flames.
We are horrified by the blaze and can see nothing but the incineration of our plans and dreams.
If we continue to stand still and gaze in terror at the firestorm around us, we will remain there in the blast.
We must withdraw our eyes from the trial, and fix them on the Fourth Man Who is in the furnace with us.
The Lord Jesus is by our side while we are in the trial.
He longs for us to look to Him for relief and consolation as the fire removes the dross of our lives.
When we are gazing into the eyes of our Saviour, the situation around us seems to fade away.
We find peace in His presence, and we find purpose as He moves us through the fire, into the "wealthy place" of peace on the other side of the flaming trial.
I know it is hot in the furnace of suffering. I know it is uncomfortable. We may feel physical pain, as well as agony of mind and spirit.
I can tell you from experience, though, that if you will
- fasten your eyes on Him,
- run to Him,
- focus your mind on His promises,
- pour over His Word…
He will meet your every need.
We have a merciful Saviour. Trust Him to bring you through the fire.
He offers us a place of peace and safety IN Him, if only we will stop looking at the fire and fix our eyes on Him.
Obtaining Mercy 