Will You Come Now?
This week, I re-explored the story of the 3 Hebrew Children. The king had set up an idol and demanded that everyone bow down to it when they heard the music start. Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah refused to bow to any god but God. The king threatened to throw them into a fiery furnace, which would mean sure death.
They still refused to bow. I love their faith statement. Our God is able to deliver us, they said. But if He doesn't, we still won't bow. They must have had some doubt that God was going to come riding in on His proverbial white horse to deliver them. But they were resolute. Even if... they would not bow!
I wonder what they thought as the day began to unfold. God didn't come before the ropes were tightly secured around their hands. Maybe they looked toward heaven and asked, Are you coming now?
No sign yet.
They were led toward the furnace, which was being heated up 7 times more than normal, to represent the king's anger toward them. Just before they get to the furnace, was there another quick glance? Another question, now, Lord? Are you coming now?
Now they are standing on the edge of the blazing furnace. Now's a good time, Lord! You coming? Nothing but heat.
But once they were tossed into the fire, they realized He was right there with them in it.
I think this represents us as caregivers many times. Many times, especially when we first begin to realize the enormity of the days we face ahead (early on), we think, or pray that God will miraculously rescue us somehow. As the days go on, we may be disappointed that He doesn't come riding in... I know I was initially.
But at some point, we realize He isn't going to come yank us out - but He is walking in it with us. He's taking the heat from us right in the middle of the fire!
He didn't fail us. He just came in a way we didn't anticipate.
Now, the difference is that His appearance didn't get us yanked out of the fire like the 3 young men in our story. We live in the fire. We are Furnace Walkers. Every day, through every circumstance, He walks right there with us. No matter how hot it may become, or how difficult it gets, He remains. And He doesn't even complain about the heat! He won't ever mention our whining... He just walks with us.
Today, I will remind myself that He is right here in the furnace with me. My heart will be grateful that He has never stepped out of the furnace. He's never walked away. He never said, "I'll be right back." When it feels hotter (than normal - whatever that is!), I'll remind myself that He doesn't sweat a bit. I think I can trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?
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Affirmations for Caregivers
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