Not Even a Smell of Smoke—Two2Grow, Tuesday, July 28
Not Even a Smell of Smoke—Two2Grow, Tuesday, July 28
“Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!” Daniel 3:27 NIV
The book of Daniel tells the famous story of three Israelite friends who refused to bow before the statue of an ungodly king. Their punishment was to be thrown into a blazing furnace so hot that the guards who cast them in were killed by the flames.
But God protected them from being burned, and today’s verse declares, “They didn’t even smell of smoke!”
That is such a wonderful picture of how God can keep us in the midst of the most difficult situations and bring us through them with such freedom that people can hardly believe we ever went through such a difficult season. There are no traces.
Our God has the power not only to deliver us from the present fire but also from its long-term consequences.
You can go through the fire of personal conflict and pain and come out still trusting and loving, without a heart darkened by distrust or unforgiveness.
You can experience the brunt of corruption and injustice and still have joy and hope instead of becoming cynical.
You can face a troubling health challenge, and God can bring you through it without the slightest residue.
You can go through financial lack and still come out generous, without becoming fearful or stingy.
Father, I thank You that whatever happens, You are with me. No fiery trial will consume me, and I thank You that You will bring me through every problem without carrying even the smell of smoke. Amen.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD
The book of Daniel tells the famous story of three Israelite friends who refused to bow before the statue of an ungodly king. Their punishment was to be thrown into a blazing furnace so hot that the guards who cast them in were killed by the flames.
But God protected them from being burned, and today’s verse declares, “They didn’t even smell of smoke!”
That is such a wonderful picture of how God can keep us in the midst of the most difficult situations and bring us through them with such freedom that people can hardly believe we ever went through such a difficult season. There are no traces.
Our God has the power not only to deliver us from the present fire but also from its long-term consequences.
You can go through the fire of personal conflict and pain and come out still trusting and loving, without a heart darkened by distrust or unforgiveness.
You can experience the brunt of corruption and injustice and still have joy and hope instead of becoming cynical.
You can face a troubling health challenge, and God can bring you through it without the slightest residue.
You can go through financial lack and still come out generous, without becoming fearful or stingy.
Father, I thank You that whatever happens, You are with me. No fiery trial will consume me, and I thank You that You will bring me through every problem without carrying even the smell of smoke. Amen.
Pastor Mikael Stenhammar, PhD