Fireproof

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 43:2

Oh, what a promise we have from our God today! What a Word of encouragement! With the Lord Jesus on our side, we are fireproof. Read on, and see that you have a God who has not only promised to never leave nor forsake you, but also vows to protect you every step of the way.

As I often do, let me begin by making it clear what this promise that our Lord uttered through the prophet Isaiah is not saying. It is not saying that the people of God will never face difficulties in this life. It is not saying the people of God will not encounter storms or be hurled into the furnace of affliction. Note well that the promise does not say “If you walk through the fire,” but “When.”

What God is telling us is that no matter what happens to us on this side of the grave, no matter what fiery furnace we may find ourselves in, nothing can or will ever separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus. We are guaranteed to go into our Promised Land. Peter exulted that we have received “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade — kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:4-5 emphasis added).

I’m sure you remember the story of Daniel’s three companions—Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—who refused to bow down to the statue King Nebuchadnezzar and were thrown into a furnace in which the flames had been heated seven times hotter than usual. Yet not a single thread was singed on their garments. Why? Because Jesus was in the fire with them, and it was not their time to go on into glory. The three young Hebrew men were fireproof! And the same is true for every child of God. Until we have completed the work God has set before us, nothing can stop us. No storm wind can topple us. No fiery furnace can consume us. No wave of challenge can wash us out to sea.

What challenges have you been facing lately? Where have you encountered what seems like an insurmountable obstacle? Fear not! God is not finished with you yet. Remember, fire was a literal event in the lives of Daniel’s three friends, but for most of us it symbolizes anything that comes up against us that tests our faith and seeks to keep us from doing God will. At those times—when we are surrounded by such flames—we must always keep in view that greater is the power that is in us than any power that can come against us (1 John 4:4). You have His Word on that!

Here is one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture, “When David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep” (Acts 13:36). David was completely fireproof . . . until he had completed his mission on this earth, and then he fell asleep and awoke in the presence of the Lord his God. The same is true for every child of God, including you, Christian. May that truth encourage you and empower you to keep on serving your Lord, no matter what “fires” you may face throughout your life.

This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race.  NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!