In the third chapter of Daniel that is exactly what happened to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. The king had ordered that EVERYONE bow down to a statue that he had set up. It was widely known that if you refused to do this then you would be thrown into the fiery furnace.
These three courageous young men chose to stand firm in their belief in the One True God and not bow down. They chose this knowing the trial they would face.
These three people...
Well, we did not "choose" our trial and honestly had we known what was coming, I am afraid to say we probably each would have taken off running. In 2007 I became ill (you can read about in the sidebar) and was basically homebound for 18 months. During that time, my husband of 18 years left and filed for divorce. The kids and I were left alone.
Or were we?
When you read the story of the three courageous young men in Daniel we learn that after they were thrown in the furnace, they could be seen walking around and a fourth person was there with them. The king was so amazed that he ordered them to come out. They were not burned, they did not even smell of smoke. God has gone into the fiery trial with them!
God has been in this trial with David, Ellie and myself. Never has He left us. There have been blessings from this time that I would not trade for anything. Relationships. A stronger family. Deeper faith. Seeing the body of Christ come together. A testimony. A love for the Lord unknown to me before.
HE promised me beauty from ashes. He never fails to keep His promises! NEVER.
This journey through Daniel over at Amber's blog has been a surprise to me. Each of us is taking away something so different. You should hop over there and read what God is showing to others.
Please keep praying for my kids (David and Ellie) that they will see God's hand of protection on us and not become resentful. They can be used mightily for the Lord, I just know it!
41 comments:
Sheryl, I cant tell you what a blessing your post was to me.Hope you have a great day! Blessings:)
<3 He definately is creating beauty from ashes!
Love this Bible story. It applies to all of us in different situations. And yes, I will continue to pray for you and your sweet kids. :)
Yes, God will never leave us! Even in the fire. Praise Him! I love hearing of your beauty from the ashes.
SO proud of your positive outlook and insight on your experiences -- you go girl... inspiring!!
Love you :o)
This is such a great analogy...
You are an awesome woman of God...and such an inspiration.
xoxo
Love this story and love your heart...
You have touched my heart.
"beauty from ashes"....I love that so much.
I love how you were able to personalize this weeks study so much. God amazes me in that we all read the same thing and meditate on it and we all come out with such varying perspectives!
Praying for you and for your kiddos.
He already has created beauty from ashes...look at the three of you. You are a good looking family and I just know God has some great blessings in store for each one of you. Your own custom designed blessings. You continue to bless my life just by you all being you. Thank you! And thank you for the privilege of praying for you.
What a testimony to God's faithfulness...praying for you and the kids...God is a restorer, redeemer...and SO much more. Trust in Him at ALL times...He will use it ALL for your good...and His glory!
Praying,
Cherie
Thank you for sharing this, Sheryl. I can only imagine your loss and pain, and yet...knowing He would never leave you in the midst of it all...what a powerful gift of love from the Father.
Loving sharing bits and pieces of our lives together. God weaves quite a tapestry, no?
I was just texting HisGirlAmber today about thinking it was nice that we didn't have to always wait for heaven to see hard days being redeemed.
Beautiful post! Love the pic of you and your kiddos.
Praising God for victory! What a wonderful testimony, Sheryl. This post is a wonderful reminder of God's faithfulness and His love for us. Thank you so much for such an encouraging post!
P.S. This reminds me of the chorus of a praise song:
You have given me the oil of gladness
The garment of praise, instead of mourning
A shining crown, instead of ashes
And glory in the face of despair.
You've given them a great example of what it looks like to "stand firm". I know it's been tough, but you just keep getting up: More Than A Conqueror!
Blessings to you & yours,
Kathleen
Love the story of Daniel and the FOUR in the fire. :-) Love the transformation of King Neb.
daaaaaaang! You are on FIRE these days! In the good way!!!!!
This is a FANTASTIC post, and I am so proud of you three! I am so glad you were never alone, and I am grateful to have you here and part of this study.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
I will send a few prayers heavenward for all of you.
I love the photo!
ToOdLeS.
Neat. That word doesn't quite do it! Having gone through some major trials, trust that your kids will look back and see that God walked in that furnace with them. I did, and it's taken a while, but I got through it and they will as well. Prayin'!
Praying for David, Ellie and you!
God is so evident in the furnace with you! and when you come out the other side of this, you won't even have the smell of smoke on you! He is so faithful.
(i don't know what's going on with openid right now! it used to show my name... hmmmm....)
I love the post and reminder that God does indeed redeem our days and bring beauty from ashes. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for sharing, we are dealing with some broken relationships in our life now and trying to figure out what to mend and where to go from here. I have been praying that God would grant me the love I need and now I will add the grace that they need.
Sheryl, Isn't it amazing what God can bring about from what we see as desolation. As always, I glean so much from your words and your journey.
Oh, I've always loved the story of those three boys in the furnace. I try to imagine what it must have been like to have been watching. Looking on and seeing three go in, but peeking in to find four walking around and praising God...untouched by the flames. I am sure those who watch you and yours have a similar experience as they watch you live through this season in your life.
You are such an amazing writer Sheryl. LOVED this post and I LOVE you.
Linda
What a great testimony of God's faithfulness to the three of you! I think of you often and lift you up in prayer whenever I think of you and your children. I'm so thankful the study of Daniel is bringing such encouragement and strength to your life! Isn't the Word of God so amazing! Great post Sheryl! Thanks for the encouragement!
As always you are such a blessings,love the picture of You Three.
Yes!God has brought you all through so much, I will continue to pray for you, David and Ellie.
Hugs and Blessings,
Sue
Hey Sheryl!
It's been awhile since I've stopped by for a visit so today I'm trying to catch up with my BGFs!
This post is wonderful - your words always bless and encourage my heart! Truly you've been through the fire but He is Faithful to give you and your sweet kids beauty for ashes!!! You've been through alot of fire = alot of ashes and He'll turn alot of ashes into alot of beauty. I guess a better way of saying it is - by the Hand of the Lord, you are being restored and are becoming more and more "BEAUTY-FULL"!!!
Have a beauty-full weekend!
Hugs and Sweet Blessings!
Jackie
Hi, Sheryl! I just wanted to stop by to tell you that I'm praying for you. You've been on my mind since I saw your comment this morning. You are so honest and I have to say, I've felt the same way! Take good care.
Love,
Angie xoxo
Those 3 young men, 4 counting Daniel have been a testimony of God's faithfulness since I heard their story as a child.
God has been with you!
may much beauty come from the ashes of my walk in the furnace. much beauty to you, too, sweet friend.
Hugs to you Sheryl. Prayed for all of you.
Sheryl,
Isn't it amazing to be in the middle of a fiery trial, like you shared something you would not ever choose, and YET....God is right there. PROVIDENCE.
Lovingly,
Yolanda
Hi! I started a new blog to document my weight loss journey. Since I want to be brutally honest, I've kept it anonymous - therefore can't invite my friends to read it. I'm looking for some followers so I have a little support in this. Check out my blog if you'd like! :)
Hi Sheryl,
Wow it has been awhile sistah!!! Wonderful post one of my favorite reads. How have you been? I have missed you and wanted to also say hello. I am not always keeping up with my visits, but I never forget my sistahs !!!!
Hugz Lorie
Sheryl,
Great post! I'm so proud of your spirit!!!
I wanted to tell you that I miss hearing from you AND that I am doing a little give away on my blog if you want to enter by next Tuesday night.
Love you, friend!
Tammy
I love this....at church we sing a song with a verse that says "There's a fourth man standing in the fire, there's a fourth man standing in the fire, Your not alone, your not alone"...I love that little praise and worship song...it is a reminder to us in the fiery trials of life.
Sheryl, I've missed my visits with you...
Thinking of the kids and you daily-
Love,
Sherry
"It is not what we do that matters, but what a sovereign God chooses to do through us"
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