Daniel 3:17-18 NLT:
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.
These three Hebrew men demonstrate textbook faith. We know our God is able to deliver us. And we believe He will. But even if He doesn’t, we’re going to be faithful to Him.
God often answers prayer in one of three ways: 1) He prevents, 2) He intervenes, or 3) He gives grace to go through. Certainly, God is not limited to just three responses, but this gives us some understanding of His answers to our prayers.
Every person – Christian or not – will face pressure, endure heartache, and face tragedy. “It rains on the just and unjust.” There is no escape. In those times, we all cry out for God to “prevent” tragedy or “intervene” miraculously to stop the event. At times, He does. But often, we are graced with the strength to go through the fire.
As I write this today, a dear friend is in surgery for a brain tumor. Just this week, I’ve prayed with a mom grieving the death of her baby and a man who is grieving the passing of his teenage daughter. I could keep going with stories of many people going through the “fire” of life. No doubt, you have stories of your own trials by fire.
In Psalm 138, David said, “In the day I cried, You answered me, and strengthened me with strength in my soul.” God’s answer was not prevention or intervention; it was “strength to his soul.” In Luke 22, Jesus prayed in agony, and an angel came and strengthened Him. In 2 Corinthians 12, Paul prayed for deliverance from a demon, and God’s answer was, “I’ll strengthen you with sufficient grace.”
I don’t pretend to understand why God prevents some fires and allows others. I have learned to expect His strength to come when I am in the fire. This is real. His grace – His divine enablement to face the fire – is real. You’re going to make it through this by His grace. Be encouraged!
Prayer:
Father, we know You are a good Father. We don’t always understand the pain and tragedy of this life. But we know You are faithful! You never leave nor forsake us. I thank You for giving us the grace sufficient for every fiery trial of this life, in Jesus’ name!