God is our very present help in trouble

Bible Text: Daniel 3

Many would think that once saved we will not face any problems. This is not so. As long as we have chosen Christ over the devil, there would be trouble. Yes! "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all." 
(Psalm 34:19)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, had set themselves apart for God. This attracted much hatred and their enemies cooked up a plan to bring about the downfall of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

 The Hebrew boys were in trouble. Their enemies had brought to the attention of King Nebuchadnezzar that the Hebrew boys were not bowing down to the golden image but were rather serving other gods.They were eventually thrown into the blazing furnace, set to seven times higher temperature, after refusing to bow down to the golden image even in the presence of the King. 

All things were working for their good. A promotion awaited Shadrach , Meshach and Abednego, but they had to pass through the fiery furnace. The fiery furnace situation may not be literal in our present time. The fire may come in terms of hardship and difficult situations that overwhelm us. But there was a fourth person in that fire. The Son of God. 

King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished at the sight of a fourth person in the furnace. The fire that had killed even those who had bound and thrown the Hebrew boys in the fire, did no harm to Shedrach, Meshach and Abednego, neither their hair, body or robes were harmed. Not even a smell of fire was on them!

King Nebuchadnezzar had seen the act of the outstretched arm of God. "and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment." (Exodus 6:6). The King praised God for the mighty act he had performed and promoted the Hebrews boys.

God promises to save us. He is our refuge and strength and an ever present help in trouble.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I commit my life in your hands. Come to my rescue and save me out of my fiery furnace. 

And unto Him who is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, above all that we could ever ask or think, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.  

Amen!