Why Is This Fire Seven Times Hotter?

They fell down bound, but Jesus loosed them, and they were walking freely and unharmed with Him in the fire.  They were in flames that were seven times hotter (meant to consume them), but they weren’t even hurt.  God will walk with you right there in the fire, and you’ll come out unharmed.  That’s amazing to me.  The fiery furnace reveals what you’re really made of.  The fire is necessary because it serves a purpose:  it removes impurities, so the result is pure gold.  Psalm 139:7-10 (NLT) says, I can never escape from your Spirit!  I can never get away from your presence!  If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there.  If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me. 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego didn’t mind going into the fire because they knew Jesus would be there to deliver them.  I wish I could tell you that I have arrived at always welcoming the fire, but I’m not there yet.  But I do know that Jesus is right there with me no matter what. 

Be encouraged, Jesus is right there with you, too!  Although that fire was seven times hotter, not one hair on their heads was singed.  Their clothes were not burned; they didn’t even smell like smoke.  The Lord will cover you every step of the way.  There is nothing to fear.  God really does have you, and He will not let you go. 

When the tests and trials get harder, just know there is a wonderful blessing on the other side.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego were promoted simply because they would not bow down.  And the king had to acknowledge that no other God could have delivered them.  That’s the power you hold.  When people see you come out on the other side, they know that only God could have brought you out.  Your life becomes a testimony.  You can now reach someone you may not have had access to before, and people are waiting for the words of deliverance that are in your mouth. 

The fire sure can get hot!  But you are in the fire with Jesus Christ.  He’s there to loose you from the bonds that have been holding you back.  He will walk freely with you in the furnace and will lead you out of it.  And you’ll come out like pure gold.