Encouragement During Trial - Fourth Man in the Fire

Greetings in Christ,

I wanted to take a moment to send you this note of encouragement as you are going through this challenging time in your life.

I'm often reminded of the beautiful story in the Book of Daniel of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. It's important to know that the same God that was there for them at that time is here for you and me now!

You may want to read the full story in Daniel Chapter 3, but I wanted to share a couple of verses with you that I trust will minister to you.

Daniel 3:24-25 (NKJV) 24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the King, “True, O king.” 25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

As the King looked into the fire, I believe he had to do a double-take and then another double-take! The three Hebrew Champions were no longer bound, but they were walking around in the fire with no harm done to them!

They weren't sitting in a corner huddled in fear, nor were they complaining about how hot it was.

They're having fellowship with one who appears to be the Son of God! Even the pagan King was able to recognize the King of Kings amid their trial!

We may not enjoy hearing this, but I believe that one of the ways the Lord uses to bring us closer to Him and to know Him more is through trials. We may not know what to do during the trial, but it causes us to focus on His power and not our limitations!

1 Peter 1:7 (NKJV) 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

We can't stop the trials from coming, but with God's help, we can adjust our attitude when those trials arrive.

I don't share these words as someone who has not experienced my share of trials. I have, but I wanted you to know that the same God who brought me through will do the same for you. Keep your eyes focused on Jesus, who can be your fourth man in the fire!

Blessings in Christ,

Pastor John Doe