Fiery trials always pre-empt promotion...

“Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.” Daniel 3:30

In the Book of Daniel we gain powerful insight from four men who lived right. These men were on God’s Path, understood to a degree His plan...at-least enough to remain on the Path moving toward God’s plan.

As we enter the scene let me paint the landscape—

Daniel was set apart having already been thrown into the lions den only to be found the next morning to have made friends with furry felines with big teeth. As a result, he was promoted. A creative miracle had unfolded.

Fast forward to Chapter 3 of Daniel. Shadrach , Meshach and Abednego were among the elders and advisors of the land. These three were Daniel's faithful friends. At this time the mystical elders of wisdom had an anti-Semitic bite to their jaw and they moved forward to accuse in particular these three men. Their accusations were fueled by personal gain and jealousy (Daniel 3:12).

The three men, upon hearing the music (Daniel 3:15), were commanded to bow before the statue of enormous size the king had erected in the land. All of Babylonia was expected to do the same...or die.

But these three heroes of the faith—who’s very hearts, minds and spirits had been lead and prepared through fasting and clean eating (Daniel 1:1-15) were prepared to face the music. They chose not to bow.

As the story goes the Fire was stoked 7 times hotter to match the kings fury and rage. And Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace. In this moment something unusual happened...

Have you ever been against circumstances fiery hot? The odds so stacked against you in every way? If so, perhaps you are thinking of that season now?

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are in their age likened to modern day hero. Though the flames licked at their lips—they did not yield, move or bleed adoration to Babylonian thinking. They remained consecrated and set apart. God delivered them with His Mighty hand and even walked through the fire with them. And when they were pulled out not even the smell of smoke was upon them. There was no outward evidence that they had even had a trial!

How you think is paramount to how you will live. If you adhere strictly to the direction God provides you, your soul will be strengthened spiritually, your body physically and all forms of gluttony (of the mind, heart, soul and flesh) will die and you will rise high in Victorious Living. What will happen next? Promotion I guess...

And the king of Kings will be Magnified and exulted on high. And so smitten will your heart be--others will marvel when and if you ever testify to having been through anything. Because when you are on God's Path, you can walk through hell backwards and still remain in Peace.

God’s Glory is not dependent on our efforts. But oh what He can do with your obedience and follow through!

Rise up, you hero’s of the faith and be the Champion you were made.

I think I see a spark of fiery passion in you...

Though the flames may rise around you they will not overtake you. Rise....

~Nicole 🔥