Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednigo to even higher positions in the province of Babylon. (Daniel 3:30)
God uses fiery furnaces, tribulation and difficult pressure for our own good. Most times when we are walking through sorrows and affliction, we view it as punishment or a setback, when actually it is our walkway to freedom. When we are being purified and refined, we are being readied for greatness. The cross that Jesus bore was the gateway to eternity. The furnace that the Hebrew boys experienced was their gateway to promotion and wealth. The pit that Joseph was thrown into was a gateway for his leadership of all Egypt and deliverance of Israel. Paul and Silas’ prison shackles were the gateway to their angelic visitation. God obviously uses tragedy for our own acceleration and promotion.
Do not despise what seems to be ugly, because the ugly leads us into our season of beauty. God is not looking for people who tarry around the mountain to avoid confrontation, on the contrary, He is looking for warriors who will walk in the fire and destroy the enemy. In doing so we are elevated to new heights that could only be attained through God’s very own hand bringing us there. Do not fear the fire for it is only being used to refine us so that on the other side of the furnace, we stand as pure gold.
We must also keep in mind that we have our Father that helps us through these trials. We are not alone as we are being molded and made into the image of Jesus. When diamonds are formed, they are created under intense pressure and a length of time that seems endless. When that season is over the difference between what was started with and the finished product is night to day. The same is with us. When God starts with us, we are like a black piece of dirty coal, but in time and through pressure, He molds us into a beautiful priceless diamond that He can place in His crown.
Do not despise the plans of God. Trust Him through this process of life and fall into Him for His comfort. He never fails and the furnace that we are going through now is only readying us to be like Jesus!
Pastor Michael Cannatello
TMMC-The Ministry of Michael Cannatello
