Image by Haim Charbit on Pixabay
Life on Planet Earth is full of trials. Ours might never be as extreme as the one endured by Daniel’s three friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah (better remembered by their Babylonian names, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego). We find the account in the book of Daniel, Chapter 3.
One of the most familiar Bible stories, most remember that the three young men were thrown into the fire because they refused to bow down and worship a golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. The king and his supporters watched as the fire failed to consume the three, who told the king they served the only true God, who was able to deliver them from the furnace. They also confirmed that even if God did not deliver them, they would never worship the image.
The best part of this story for me is that the king was amazed to see a fourth man in the fire with the men, and said the fourth man looked like “a son of the gods.” Daniel 3:25 NIV.
We learn from this story that we can rely on Jesus to go through all of life’s toughest trials along with us, even the ones we can’t avoid.
A new thought though- Notice that in verse 21 Hannah, Mishael and Azariah are bound before they are thrown in to the flames. However, verse 25 says “He said, ‘Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed. …'” Not only is Jesus there along with them, but they are no longer tied up. Their chains and burdens are gone.
It might be hard for us to notice at the time, but often, enduring a severe trial frees us from a burden. Maybe we realize what is really important in our lives, and learn that relying on God makes all the difference. What we can’t do on our own is totally achievable with Him. Perhaps we are free of the fear that preceded the trial, because we learn that we can endure so much more with His presence.
Think back to a time when Jesus walked with you through a terrible time in your life. What burden was lifted? I’d love to hear about it. Use the comments to share your thoughts.
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