THE POWER OF PRESENCE
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if He does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.
Daniel 3:17-18 (NIV)
Some Bible stories inspire awe, like tales of heroes, foes and God’s power. We may overlook their depth as we age, recalling them only in fragments. Yet, these stories reveal profound truths. Take Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as an example. Exiled and thrown into captivity, they faced immense trials. But their steadfast faith in God guided and protected them through their greatest test.
After refusing to reject God and accept the gods of their captors, they were sentenced to death by fire. Instead of fear, they responded with faith, declaring that God could save them and that He was worthy of their love and loyalty even if He did not. Thrown into the fire, the onlookers saw not destruction but life. Even more astonishing, a fourth figure miraculously joined them, and they moved freely within the flames, unharmed. The Lord didn’t just save them from the fire; He was present with them.
When we are tested, afflicted, and troubled in our lives, Jesus is the fourth man in the fire. He offers more than just physical protection or eternal life; He promises to be with us. Our belief and confidence in who we are in Christ goes beyond what is happening in our present reality. Faith that we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:31-39) comes not from effort but His presence.
We don’t just need solutions. We need His presence. What guards our lives, our identities, our hearts, and our minds is Him. Whether it is unforeseen circumstances, loss, failure, unfulfilled hopes, or lies thrown at us by the enemy, the presence of Jesus holds the answer to everything. The wisdom, comfort, solution, provision, and protection we need are in His person.
APPLICATION: Where do you need the person, protection, and provision of Jesus? Life’s urgency and stress can distract us from inviting Him into our struggles. Take a moment to reflect on what troubles you or where you need help. Invite Jesus, the fourth man in the fire, to walk with you and minister to you today.
PRAYER: Father, thank You for Your unending presence. I invite You into my circumstances, emotions, and thoughts. Teach me to trust Your ways and show me who I am in You. Your way is best. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?