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.
5. GOD’S PRESENCE IN FIRE BRINGS PEACE AND COURAGE
Even in the midst of chaos, God’s presence brings inner calm and boldness.
a) Fear is conquered in His presence
Perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). God's nearness brings peace.
b) The peace of God transcends circumstances
Philippians 4:7 says His peace guards our hearts even in trials.
c) Courage comes when we know God is near
Psalm 23:4 reminds us that even in the valley of the shadow of death, we need not fear.
d) God gives boldness to withstand pressure
Like the Hebrew men, we must declare, "Even if He doesn't..." (Daniel 3:18).
BIBLICAL EXAMPLE:
Paul and Silas, while in prison and pain, sang praises to God (Acts 16:25). Though surrounded by darkness and chains, the presence of God filled the prison, and the earth quaked. Their peace and courage brought about deliverance and salvation for others.
CONCLUSION:
The God we serve is not a distant observer when we go through life’s fires. He is Immanuel—God with us. His presence does not always stop the fire from burning, but it ensures that we are not consumed. The fourth man still appears today for those who refuse to bow to the pressures of this world.
No matter how hot your situation may seem, know that God is in it with you. Let your trust in Him be unwavering, and your faith unmoved. The fire that was meant to consume you will instead elevate you, refine you, and announce you to your world. Stand firm, for the God who stands in the fire still walks with His own.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Father, thank You for Your presence in every fiery trial of my life.
2. O Lord, walk with me through every storm and season of testing.
3. Let every fire in my life turn into a platform for Your glory.
4. I reject every fear and receive boldness in the face of trials.
5. Lord, deliver me from every enemy trap and plot to destroy me.
6. Refine my heart, Lord, and make me a vessel fit for Your glory.
7. I declare divine preservation in every situation of life.
8. Let my trials lead to promotion and elevation.
9. Father, raise a testimony out of every test in my life.
10. I receive peace and courage to stand in the midst of my challenges.
