Sometimes I wonder if Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego saw Jesus in the fire. Oh, He was there. Protecting them. Supernaturally intervening for them. But when King Nebuchadnezzar threw these young men into that blazing furnace after they wouldn’t bow down before him, all we’re told in scripture is the king himself sees Jesus, not these boys. The king, the one standing outside the fire, is the one who proclaims, “‘Look! I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt; and the appearance of the fourth is like a son of the gods’” (Daniel 3:25).

If you’re in the fire today and you’re having trouble seeing Jesus, don’t get discouraged. If you feel your circumstances are burning you down to the ground, don’t give up and assume God doesn’t care. Instead listen to other believers telling you God will make a way. Let the faith of others strengthen your faith and give you the courage for one more day. Because God never promised difficult circumstances wouldn’t come. Instead He promises Jesus will walk the heat-path with us. He will stand in the flames amongst us. He will be there, proving that fire may burn—life may scald, scorch, and sear at times—but His love is stronger than the fire. His mercy is greater. His grace is better. It’s the preserving, cooling, healing, persevering power of His presence, whether we feel Him or not.

It may not seem like it, but Jesus will shield you. His presence will protect you. He will sustain your hope. So, don’t look at the fire today and let it consume you. Instead, look to Jesus, as the fire rages on.

*First published by The Joyful Life Magazine.