4th Man in the Fire 🔥

There are so many moments in DR where I find myself saying “Lord you’re going to have to pull me through this.” or “You’re going to have to renew my mind and strength as I walk through this.” I’m referring to ministry and personal life.

Before summer, JJ shared to our kids the Bible story about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego being thrown in the fiery furnace.

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve read the story, but for some reason, as JJ was sharing, it really hit me.

Here’s a QUICK synopsis of the Bible story:

King Nebuchadnezzar was furious with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because they refused to bow down to the golden statue he had set up. In his rage, he ordered the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than normal and had the three men tied up and thrown in. The fire was so intense that it even killed the soldiers who tried to throw them inside.

But then something amazing happened. When the king looked into the furnace, he saw not three men, but four! And instead of being tied up, they were walking around freely in the fire, completely unharmed. Shocked, Nebuchadnezzar called Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego out of the furnace. Everyone who had gathered saw with their own eyes that the fire hadn’t touched them.

Not even a piece of hair was singed nor did they smell like smoke!

In awe, Nebuchadnezzar praised their God, saying He had sent an angel to rescue them because they trusted Him and chose to obey Him no matter the cost. (full story can be found in Daniel 3) 

Spoiler alert: Jesus was the 4th man in the fire. 

As JJ was sharing, it made me reflect. 

This calling and living in DR isn’t necessarily the easiest in terms of what would be deemed “easy” from the worldly perspective. 

I live in a country where I’m not 100% fluent in the language (yet). I get the opportunity to serve those who are walking through incredibly traumatic circumstances. They also speak an entirely different language that I haven't learned (yet). Our paychecks are solely determined by donations (The Lord and supporters have been incredibly generous to us and our ministry!) Last but not least, the driving here...no words do justice to describe how crazy it is 😂

All jokes aside, it can be easy for me to get discouraged or feel overwhelmed when I’m not sure how to help, how to pray, how to best serve, how to best love, how to do pretty much anything.

However, the further JJ got into the story, it immediately hit me.

No matter what, where, who or why, Jesus is always my 4th man in the fire. 

One of my favorite songs is ‘Christ Be Magnified’ by Cody Carnes.

“I won't bow to idols, I'll stand strong and worship You
And if it puts me in the fire, I'll rejoice 'cause You're there too
I won't be formed by feelings, I hold fast to what is true
If the cross brings transformation then I'll be crucified with You.”

Wrestle with those words. 

“If it puts me in the fire, I’ll rejoice ‘cause You’re there too.”

Phew, I’ll REJOICE!!

It’s not saying, just be comforted that you’re not alone, but REJOICE that you’re in the fire and that Jesus is with you!!!

JESUS IS OUR 4TH MAN IN THE FIRE. 

Not money, not people, not materials, not opinions.

Scripture. God. Jesus. Holy Spirit.

May we never forget to rejoice in highs and lows knowing that we are servants of the Most High God. 

Put me in the fire Lord. I am not afraid.

After all, Your word says in 1 Peter 1:7

"so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ"

Test my faith Lord. Keep me on fire for You and only You alone. And at the end of it all, may it result in praise and glory and honor to You.