Due to an injury that occurred in 1992, I suffer from chronic pain in my upper back, shoulders, and neck. During the most excruciating and disheartening moments, it’s not always easy to trust or praise the Lord. But when my situation feels unbearable, God’s constant presence comforts me. He strengthens me and reassures me of His unchanging goodness, limitless power, and sustaining grace. And when I’m tempted to doubt my Lord, I’m encouraged by the determined faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They worshiped God and trusted He was with them, even when their situation seemed hopeless.

When King Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them into a blazing furnace if they didn’t turn away from the true God to worship his golden statue (Dan. 3:13–15), these three men displayed courageous and confident faith. They never doubted the Lord was worthy of their worship (v. 17), “even if” He didn’t rescue them from their current predicament (v. 18). And God didn’t leave them alone in their time of need; He joined and protected them in the furnace (vv. 24–25).

God doesn’t leave us alone either. He remains with us through trials that can feel as destructive as Nebuchadnezzar’s furnace. Even if our suffering doesn’t end on this side of eternity, God is and always will be mighty, trustworthy, and good. We can rely on His constant and loving presence.

Lord, thank You for being with us, no matter what we’re going through. Amen.

When I read this I couldn’t help but be reminded, just because God didn’t remove the situation from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they still went into the furnace, faith believing “even if” they knew He would be with them in the fire. The same goes for you and I, even if God allows us to walk through the fire, even after asking and begging him to remove it from us, don’t loose faith in knowing even if, He is still with you in the fire. He never leaves you, He always gives you a way of escape, even if that means enduring the fire but knowing He is right beside you going through it with you. Your never alone. No matter what your facing, He is right there facing it with you, always present. 

Make today beautiful!

Today’s Reading is Daniel 3:13-25