MIRACLES ARE MESSY
THE MIRACLE OF BEING STRENGTHENED IN YOUR INNER MAN AND THE MESSINESS OF THE FIRES OF LIFE
That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man. —Ephesians 3:16
THE MIRACLE OF HAVING FAITH IN THE FIRE
Faith defined:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. —Hebrews 11:1
“A long obedience in the same direction”
28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God!
29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon. —Daniel 3:28 - 306 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, —1 Peter 1:6 - 7
1. Faith in the fire will redefine your worship.
Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego…” —Daniel 3:28a
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ… —1 Peter 1:3a
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you. —Isaiah 43:2
He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. —Psalms 40:2
2. Faith in the fire produces a renewed hope.
Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! —Daniel 3:28
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, —1 Peter 1:3
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. —Romans 15:13
This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil. —Hebrews 6:19
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. —Hebrews 10:23
3. Faith in the fire gains recognition from the world and promotion in the Spirit.
Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon. —Daniel 3:30
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, —1 Peter 1:3 - 46 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,
7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,
8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, —1 Peter 1:6 - 8I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living. —Psalms 27:13
4. Faith in the fire reminds us He is the God of the rescue.
Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! —Daniel 3:28
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. —1 Peter 1:3 - 5Even to your old age, I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; even I will carry, and will deliver you. —Isaiah 46:4
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe. —Proverbs 18:10
16 He sent from above, He took me; He drew me out of many waters.
17 He delivered me from my strong enemy, From those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.
18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support.
19 He also brought me out into a broad place; He delivered me because He delighted in me. —Psalms 18:16 - 19
5. Faith after the rescue: Resting in Jesus.
Receiving the end of your faith –
the salvation of your souls. —1 Peter 1:928 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” —Matthew 11:28 - 30For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” —Romans 10:13