I heard some teaching the other day on Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the fiery furnace... it has really given me something to think about especially in light of things we have been struggling with the last several weeks. Let me remind you of the story.
King Nebuchadnezzar had this gold statue made and everyone was commanded to fall down and worship it. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to worship the image that the King had set up. When the King found out, he told the three that if they did not fall down and worship the image they would be thrown into the fiery furnace. Now heres the part that I have been "chewing" on a bit the last couple of days....listen to what the three tell the King.
If we are thrown into the blazing furnace the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from your Majesty's hand, but even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. Daniel 3:17-18
How does this apply to me? Well I am not being asked to bow down to a gold statue or anything like that, but I have been in what seems to be a fiery furnace of sorts. Health problems that include a poor immune system that is prone to infections (perhaps caused from the medication I took for breast cancer) and blood pressure that has been difficult to control. Lately I have found myself more and more discouraged because, how I feel, is beginning to effect my day to day. I can't always do the things I need to do, let alone the things I want to do...it can be frustrating. I believe I serve a God who can deliver me from this fiery furnace, but even if he does not, well thats the part that's a work in progress in my heart right now. I can waste these days waiting for deliverance from this fiery furnace or I can use them to glorify him in the midst. My prayer is that He can use this weak vessel to do just that. Reminded of one of my favorite quotes
"Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass it's about learning to dance in the rain"
How does this apply to me? Well I am not being asked to bow down to a gold statue or anything like that, but I have been in what seems to be a fiery furnace of sorts. Health problems that include a poor immune system that is prone to infections (perhaps caused from the medication I took for breast cancer) and blood pressure that has been difficult to control. Lately I have found myself more and more discouraged because, how I feel, is beginning to effect my day to day. I can't always do the things I need to do, let alone the things I want to do...it can be frustrating. I believe I serve a God who can deliver me from this fiery furnace, but even if he does not, well thats the part that's a work in progress in my heart right now. I can waste these days waiting for deliverance from this fiery furnace or I can use them to glorify him in the midst. My prayer is that He can use this weak vessel to do just that. Reminded of one of my favorite quotes
"Life isn't about waiting for the storms to pass it's about learning to dance in the rain"
6 comments:
Well now...this is either an odd coincidence or a God thing because we just finished reading the story of Daniel in the Lion's Den and the awakening faith of King Darius.
Feeling tired and "off" can certainly affect our outlook on life. You have found a wonderful key...even if... Praying for you today, Maryann, and asking The Father to bless you today.
Thank you for an excellent word!
Oh Maryanne this could have been written by me today. I soo understand. I feel like I am always dealing with something and it DOES begin to get to you and make things harder and harder. I just want to lay aside physical issues and problems for a while and just not have to think about them. And yet, you are soo right. If the Lord has allowed these things in our life to be, then He does have His purpose, and He will give us the strength and the mercy and grace to deal with it. He id strong enough to carry it all. I have lifted you in prayer this morning, and asked that He might bless you with a good day! HUGS
Oh, bless your heart! There are few of us, who, as we age, escape health issues. Some, of course, tougher than others. I have been blessed thus far but I know that I would feel just like you. And, I've watched my dear Dad try his best to wrap his head around his health struggles the past 3 years and it has been a long and hard journey. I pray that healthier days are just around the corner and for you to find peace in your heart and soul regardless. Sweet blessings!
Oh Maryann! I totally relate to this post. It's the 'even if he doesn't' that gets me every time. Suffering makes us like the Lord, but I'd rather it was the Lord who healed, not died on the cross.
I am so sorry about your health issues, that stinks. I join Lea in praying for healthier days, and peace too. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself with us.
Blessings!
Ceil
Oh Maryann, I am so sorry about your health struggles and I, too, will lift you up in prayer! Your post was beautiful and so well-said. It was such a great reminder to me to be strong at all times, even through the difficult trials. Thinking of you and praying for you! Hugs and blessings :)
Don't give up, Maryann. We serve a God who has promised health and healing from the beginning of His Word to the end. And all of His promises are Yes and Amen in Jesus! Jehovah Rapha is your Healer!
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