When trouble pops up, I like to handle it quickly and effectively. Makes me a skilled physician, but a frustrated follower of Christ.
Because while Jesus promised in this life you will have trouble, He also told you to keep your peace because He’s already overcome the world.
But that’s tricky because Jesus doesn’t like to move at the pace I think my trouble warrants.
What do you do when it feels like you’re in an emergency room situation but it seems like God’s responding at an outpatient clinic pace?
TELL US, FELLAS
The three Hebrew boys offer some answers (see Daniel 3).
Persecuted for honoring God over stroking the ego of the most powerful ruler of the time, they ended up in the original fiery trial—a furnace.
And before they could get in it good, Nebuchadnezzar got so furious he turned up the heat seven times hotter.
But these teen young men had something I still need to develop—appropriate expectations. They had enough experience with the Lord to know He could deliver them, but He may not.
MAYBE, MAYBE NOT
And they were cool with it. They would honor the Lord no matter what.
So that’s the first takeaway. Trials will come. The extent and the timeline we don’t get to know.
But the beauty of the story, the comforting part, is as soon as they fell into the furnace, Nebuchadnezzar jumps up because of the fourth man he sees in the fire.
WHO IS THAT MAN?
And it’s clear he’s not an ordinary man. He looked like a son of the gods, because he was the son of God.
Do we know what Jesus did to help Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego while in the furnace with them?
No. We know Nebuchadnezzar saw them untied and walking around. But there’s no description of what Jesus did in the fire.
What we know is that it was his presence that mattered.
IT’S HIS PRESENCE FOR ME
Those guys walked around unbound in the fire. Free before they were freed from the furnace, knowing the Lord in a way they wouldn’t have without that trial.
While you’re wondering when your nightmare is going to end or when the escape hatch will appear, the three Hebrew boys teach you, peace is in Jesus’ presence, not how He’s going to fix it.
Unlike a regular firefighter, He doesn’t always come to put the fire out, but to make you fireproof in the fire.
Vanessa A. Harris
And they were none the worse for it.
Using their senses, no one could tell what these guys had been through. They didn’t cry out in agony, didn’t suffer burns, nor did they smell of smoke. What transformed—was their faith.
And since you and I will have our share of trials, may that be our testimony.
I’m rooting for you. And me, too!
DADDY’S GIRL FOREVER
Real talk about how your relationship with your father affects how you show up as a woman and in your relationships—including your relationship with God.
Identity, security, confidence—it’s all covered here, highlighted by Vanessa’s own story and those of other courageous women who experienced childhood trauma and overcame.
Ready to get real and start to heal?
NEED HELP TALKING WITH GOD?
Prayer Changes Things
Join me on YouTube as I pray a quick prayer to get you going in the right direction. Whether you’re new to prayer or your prayer life has gone stale, nothing replaces quality time with Jesus. So, if prayer feels awkward, I’m happy to pray with you.
And if you pray regularly but want some company, I’m here for that too.
And because these prayers are based on God’s Word, you can be confident you’re praying according to His will.
IF YOU’RE A MOM AND YOU’RE TIRED OF PRETENDING…
Join me for Motherhood Unmasked
It’s the podcast for you, the mom battling the effects of your childhood trauma on your parenting journey.
Let’s get real about the challenges we face, so you’re as comfortable in your skin as you want your kids to be in theirs. TUESDAYS on any platform where you enjoy music and podcasts.
Vine Life Faith 