The God Who Stands In The Fire Series

THE GOD WHO STANDS IN THE FIRE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Daniel 3:16-27

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 91:15, Hebrews 13:5, 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, Romans 8:35-39

INTRODUCTION:

Life is filled with fiery trials—situations that test our faith, challenge our resolve, and stretch our endurance. These "fires" can come in the form of persecution, loss, hardship, opposition, or even spiritual battles. But for the child of God, no fire is ever faced alone. God has promised to stand with His people in their most trying moments, proving that His presence is not absent in adversity.

When the three Hebrew men—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—stood firm in their faith and refused to bow to the idol of Nebuchadnezzar, they were cast into a burning furnace. But to the amazement of all, a fourth man—divine in appearance—was seen walking with them. This profound demonstration of divine companionship teaches us that God does not abandon His own, even in the midst of flames.

God standing in the fire signifies His unwavering faithfulness, protective presence, and power to deliver. He does not always remove the fire, but He ensures that we are not consumed by it. This study explores the powerful reality of God’s presence with us in fiery trials and how it manifests His glory, protection, and ultimate victory.

1. GOD’S PRESENCE IS MANIFEST IN TRIALS

One of the greatest assurances we have is that God does not forsake His people when they go through the fire.

a) He walks with us in fire

God promised in Isaiah 43:2 that when we pass through the fire, we shall not be burned, because He is with us.

b) His presence preserves us

The fire did not harm the Hebrew men because God’s presence overrode the natural effects of the flame (Daniel 3:27).

c) Trials reveal God’s glory

The presence of the fourth man caused even unbelievers to glorify God (Daniel 3:28-29).

d) God is closest in our lowest moments

Psalm 34:18 says God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:

In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the fiery furnace for their uncompromising faith. The fire was made seven times hotter, yet it did not consume them. Instead, the Son of God appeared with them in the fire. Not only did they survive, but their clothes did not even smell of smoke. The presence of God neutralised the fire and turned their test into a powerful testimony.

2. GOD USES FIRE TO DEMONSTRATE HIS POWER

God often allows the fire so that He can showcase His unmatched ability to deliver.

a) Fire becomes a platform for miracles

The furnace became a stage for divine intervention (Daniel 3:25).

b) He overturns the enemy’s plans

The very weapon meant to destroy the righteous became ineffective (Isaiah 54:17).

c) His power breaks every bondage

The fire burnt off only the ropes that bound the Hebrew men, symbolising liberation (Daniel 3:25).

d) God proves He is sovereign

Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged God’s supremacy after witnessing His power in the fire (Daniel 3:29).

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:

Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice in 1 Kings 18:36-39, and God answered to show His supremacy over Baal. Fire did not consume Elijah; instead, it was the means through which God proved His power. Just like with the Hebrew men, fire became a tool for God’s manifestation.

3. GOD BRINGS PROMOTION THROUGH THE FIRE

What was meant for destruction can become the path to elevation when God is involved.

a) Trials lead to elevation

After the fire, the Hebrew men were promoted in Babylon (Daniel 3:30).

b) Endurance earns divine reward

James 1:12 declares that those who endure trials will receive the crown of life.

c) Fire qualifies us for greater assignments

God refines us through trials like gold in a furnace (Malachi 3:3).

d) Enduring fire produces maturity

Suffering builds perseverance, character, and hope (Romans 5:3-5).

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:

Job endured fiery trials, losing wealth, health, and family. Yet, because he stayed faithful, God restored him with double (Job 42:10). His testing period became a launching pad for divine promotion.

4. GOD’S FIRE BRINGS REFINEMENT, NOT DESTRUCTION

For God’s people, fire is not to destroy but to purify and bring forth glory.

a) Fire purifies like gold

1 Peter 1:7 tells us that our faith is refined like gold through fire, resulting in praise and honour.

b) God allows the fire to cleanse us

The Refiner's fire removes impurities from our lives (Zechariah 13:9).

c) Fire is a sign of God's dealings

Those God uses greatly, He first refines thoroughly (Hebrews 12:6-11).

d) Refinement produces enduring faith

Trials teach us dependence on God, not ourselves (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).

BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:

Peter went through the fire of denial and failure (Luke 22:60-62), but Jesus restored him and refined him into a powerful apostle who boldly preached on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:14-41). His fiery moment led to a refined and unstoppable faith.