In The Fire

Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonied, and rose up in haste, and spake, and said unto his counselors, Did not we cast three men bound into the midst of the fire? They answered and said unto the king, True, O king. 

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: 24-25, KJV

   I am pretty certain we can all agree that 2020 definitely threw us a major punch in the stomach. Now, I have so much respect for the punching bag. 2020 just feels like one punch after another. It is like you try to grasp that split second in time to catch some fresh air or at least try to get back on your feet, then BOOM, another swing. You know, the most interesting thing about the punching bag is that it bounces back every time. No matter how hard the hit or the amount of hits, the punching bag always springs back to formation--and so will you. 

   For the first time ever (at least that I know of), the entire world was on lock down because of a pandemic, which resulted in thousands of precious lives lost. Moreover, an economic crisis rapidly emerged. Not to mention the political unrest within communities. It is truly too much to bear. In difficult times such as this, it is crucial that we hold steadfast to our faith. We each have a testimony of how we experienced some form of loss or suffering, BUT God (like the 3 Hebrew boys) carried us through the fire. Most significantly, He was IN the fire with us and brought us out that particular situation(s) unscathed. 

   A lot of times or for some of us maybe even majority of the time we will not understand why we experience certain trials in life. However, we must know that God is sovereign and He is still very much in control. Now more than ever, we are seeing how the world around us seems so chaotic. We are struggling to adapt to a new type of norm, but it was never new to God. He knows the end from the beginning. He is Alpha and Omega. Jesus told us we would experience tribulations in this world yet we do not need to fret because He has overcome the world! (John 16:33). Life happens. Life also gets really hard and makes you want to give up or stop living, but I am here to tell you that this is not the end! There is so much more. We must continue to place our trust in the Lord, not in things, worldly institutions, or even ourselves. Some things will always remain out of our control but when we know the ONE who is in control, then we do not need to fear. It was never meant to be easy. Quite honestly, I do not know any child of God that has ever really had an easy life. This is not to say the Christian life is doom and gloom--quite the contrary. Our lives are far from perfect yet we remain rest assured in the Lord's promises. His love, grace, and mercy is what sustains us during difficult times. Being in relationship with Jesus allows us to say, similar to the Hebrew boys, "Regardless of the outcome, I still trust and believe in God because I know who He is and He sovereign." We have a "Yes Lord" in our spirit. We know life can be harsh and devastating. However, with the Lord on our side, we know we will some way, some how make it. 

   My dear brothers and sisters, do not be discouraged. The Lord is with you. Life and people disappoint, but God does not--He never does. We live in a fallen world and horrible things do happen. Nevertheless, there is still so much beauty around us each day. The sun is still rising, the stars are still shining, the birds are still singing. Pause for a moment to look and listen. Hope is very much alive and attainable--IN Jesus. The Lord, Himself will help us. He will take hold of your right hand and uphold you (Isaiah 41:13). He will guide you and walk side by side with you (hand in hand) through the fire--if you let Him. Do not let your present circumstances define your destiny. 2020 is not over just yet. We serve a God who turns the impossible into a miracle. I know it is easier said than done but please believe your life will bounce back. The Lord will put all the puzzle pieces together (even the missing ones). So will you keep holding His hand and believe that He will do what He said He will do in your life?

   For my dear brothers and sisters who do not know Christ, I encourage you to try Him. There is so much love, joy, peace, freedom, and life IN HIM. He loves you so much. There is nothing we can do to earn His love but to receive it. His loving hand is open waiting to receive you with indescribable joy--will you take it? The choice is yours.