Today I faced a situation I was hoping not to have need of facing. After healing from my third back surgery in late July, I started to have increasing pain over the last month.

Finally giving in to the reality of it, I made an appointment with my doctor. On my way there this morning a song came on the radio that ministered to my spirit. The song is called Another In The Fire, and was the version sung by Taya.

The title reference speaks to the story of three young Jewish men who were taken captive to serve under King Nebuchadnezzer in Babylonia. (You can read the whole story in the book of Daniel.)

These were faithful men, blameless before God. (Reminds me of my last post about Job.)

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 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.”

Daniel 3:16-20 (NLT)

They faced the punishment of the fiery furnace without waver.

Nebuchadnezzar was so furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that his face became distorted with rage. He commanded that the furnace be heated seven times hotter than usual. Then he ordered some of the strongest men of his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and throw them into the blazing furnace.

Daniel 3:19-20 (NLT)

And in this story, and in this song, God shows up physically.

But suddenly, Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in amazement and exclaimed to his advisers, “Didn’t we tie up three men and throw them into the furnace?”

“Yes, Your Majesty, we certainly did,” they replied.

“Look!” Nebuchadnezzar shouted. “I see four men, unbound, walking around in the fire unharmed! And the fourth looks like a god!”

Daniel 3:24-25 (NLT)

This fourth man, whether God, Jesus, or angel, is God’s presence and protection in the midst or certain death. And I am reminded again today that no matter what I face, be it another surgery or a life of managing pain, God is with me. That is what the Holy Spirit wanted me to know.

I pray that in the times I am standing in the fire, people will be amazed seeing God with me and repeat Nebuchadnezzar’s words…

“There is no other god who can rescue like this!”

Daniel 3:29b

Is God in the fire with you?

I believe he is.

Grace & Peace,

Sandy