Daniel chapter 3 tells the story of the 3 Hebrew boys who were saved in the fiery furnace. It says because the furnace was exceeding hot the flame of the fire killed the men who threw them in. However, it didn't affect them. God, often, has a way of turning the circumstances around for us. Romans 8:28 reads and we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those called according to His purpose. Daniel goes on to explain that there were 4 men loose walking in the midst of the fire and they were not hurt and the 4th is like the Son of God. When we are going through trials God also unshackles us. He frees us. Deuteronomy 31:8 says and the Lord He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Do not fear nor be dismayed. Thinking of the character of God, I bet He went ahead of the 3 Hebrew children and met them in the furnace. Yes, He was in the furnace with His friends. Isaiah 43:1-2 reads but now, thus says the Lord who created you O Jacob and He who formed you O Israel fear not for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are Mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you and through the rivers they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire you shall not be burned nor shall the flame scorch you. He offers protection in danger. Our trials have no power over us. It says in Daniel the hair of their head was not even singed, nor were their garments affected and the smell of the fire was not on them. He is our Mighty Deliverer. Psalm 34:19 says many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all. Often, when I am sharing with someone who is going through a trial I will refer them to the song Through the Fire by the Crabb Family. This song has some of the most powerful words I have ever heard. It proclaims that so many times I question certain circumstances or things I could not understand and many times in trials weakness blurs my vision and then my frustration gets so out of hand. Oh, but it's then I am reminded I've never been forsaken and I've never had to stand one test alone. That's when I look at all the victories and the Spirit rises up in me and it's through the fire my weakness is made strong. He never promised that the cross would not get heavy and the hill would not be hard to climb. He never offered a victory without fighting but He said help would always come in time. Just remember when you're standing in the valley of decision and the adversary says give in just hold on our Lord will show up and He will take you through the fire again. I know within myself that I would surely perish but if I trust the mighty hand of God He'll shield the flames again. So my friend, I promise, He is in the fire with you.

We read in HIS Word that we will know who HIS children are by their fruit. What a wonderful fruit garden you have, Donna! Acres and acres of fruit which you give others daily. I pray HE rewards your tending to the vineyards and fruit trees which HE planted in you...with exponentially greater measure. Amen and amen.

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Whitney