Stability, security and serenity. When shaken, the human flesh fights to regain its rhythm. After a few seconds living on this earth, shouldn’t one know to expect the unexpected? No day has its predictions. Routines are worthless rags in this world. Resist not this reality. Yes, interruptions send you out of the comfort of your home without notice. Rather than react, rely on the power of the Holy Spirit.
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Ephesians 6:10
When your eyes open, decide not to depend upon earthly props. What is seen offers little solace. A trial’s flames will sear your flesh while God refines His purpose and image into your life. Hardened hearts and stubborn minds need to become pliable putty in the Father’s hands. The sooner your reasoning surrenders to the Spirit, inner joy saturates the flames. Fear not the flares of today’s trial. Jesus is in your fire.
My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. James 1:2
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Romans 9:20
Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherds of the earth. Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, What makest thou? or thy work, He hath no hands? Isaiah 45:9
Two Faces in the Fire
When you are thrown into your own furnace, never forget there are two faces in the fire; judgment and Jesus. If you believe Jesus is your burnt sacrifice, judgment has no business offering you its fear. Even when devils scream defeat, deafen your ear.
And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. Daniel 3:23
He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God. Daniel 3:25
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. Ephesians 6:16
These high temperatures can’t drain a soul drinking from abundant waters. Heed to the Spirit’s warning when your soul is waning. Relinquish pride of self-sufficiency before the inevitable fireball rolls into your path. Your stamina and ability to stand isn’t a solo affair. Tapping into human strength molds an image of idolatry within your mind. Such unbelief should be burned by the Spirit and swallowed into the ashes of the Savior’s sacrifice. Stare into His finished work, for it bears the Father’s answer for your anguishing soul.
He that believeth in me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38
Then the fire of the LORD fell, and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 1 Kings 18:38
Conclusion
No matter how fierce your trial rages or how widespread it becomes, look into the eyes who are enflamed with love for you. In the midst of fire storm is your personal protector, passionately providing for you. His name is Jesus, the Word of God. Consuming every sin and canceling all judgment, no fear is found on the wooden cross. So when your bones tremble in the trial of your faith, which face will you find in the fire?
His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. Revelation 19:12-13
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6:10