It had been raining all day and in one moment the Sunbeams broke through the clouds and bathed the wet landscape in gold light.
Then it was past.
The grey mist of stead rain dropped like a curtain.
The momentary pause of the passing storm, reminded me that the beauty of the Sunshine is constant, whether I see it or not, which is a testimony to God.
One day the Sun may stop shining, but God will never stop being God.
Which is even more reassuring, for God is loving, gentle, kind, just, righteous, and holy.
His never changing character brings stability and comfort.
Hebrews 13:8 NKJV — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
He is always faithful.
Even when the clouds of circumstance barr my ability to see Him.
It's the same truth three men experienced.
Living as slaves in a foreign land, their owner demanded they worship an idol.
These three men knew the living God and refused.
Their disobedience enrages the man who owns them and he threatens them, that to continue to disobey his command would mean certain death.
But he respects these slaves, they've served him well, so he gives them another chance to worship the idol.
Their words are inspiring.
Daniel 3:16-18 NKJV — Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up."
These three men knew God was not only aware of what they were experiencing, but that He had the ability to save them.
Yet, they also understood His Sovereignty.
They didn't assume God would save them just because they knew He could, instead they trust God completely.
They had quiet assurance that either way, God would do what was best.
Daniel 3:19-25 NKJV
[19] Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. [20] And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. [21] Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. [22] Therefore, because the king's command was urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. [23] And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. [24] Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, "Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?" They answered and said to the king, "True, O king." [25] "Look!" he answered, "I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God."
Of course it was.
Their Lord had saved them, and He has done the same for me.
What beauty there is in His faithfulness!
What blessed assurance those who put their trust in Him have!
Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV — The LORD has appeared of old to me, saying: "Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.
Dear Lord Jesus,
Thank You for Your Word! Thank You for the beauty which I behold in it. Thank You for Your promises, Your love, Your salvation! It is only through You that people can find treasures which last beyond the grave. Lord Jesus, please encourage those who are Yours to remember Your faithfulness and not be discouraged or downcast from the clouds and rain we all encounter in one form or another. Lord, please help those who are called by Your name to walk in faithfulness and integrity. Lord, for those who have yet to know You, please break through whatever is barring them from the light of truth that they might see and turn from their wicked ways. Lord, I love You and I thank You for Your Word which is the daily proof of Your unending love. I love You. Amen.
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