Dancing in the Fire

It seems the heat is being turned up daily on Christians around the world. The forces of evil are escalating in their onslaught of GOD’s people. Have you been feeling it lately? Have you found yourself facing-off with evil, being intimidated by evil, being overwhelmed by evil forces attempting to blow you off course, or away from your purpose, or causing you to lose sight of the prize of the calling of Christ upon your life? Maybe you are on the run right now? Maybe evil, ungodly people have raised fear in your life and have forced you to run and try to hide?

The true church is under attack from all sides. Evil knows it’s time of judgment is closing in and it’s time is short to wreak havoc upon GOD’s people. Many so-called Christians, (I prefer to call them church-people because the fruit of their lives fails to line up with the Scriptural characteristics of a child of GOD), are being used by the forces of evil to initiate pain, suffering and persecution upon the true church of the Spirit of GOD. The fire is getting hotter, what are we to do?

Daniel 3 records a tremendous example the church would do well to follow in these days. The three Hebrew children were confronted by the evil proclamation of the king to worship only his statue or die in a fiery furnace. Certainly, they could’ve compromised their belief in GOD and bowed to the statue on the outside and remained faithful to GOD on the inside—or could they?

Is compromise an acceptable practice for a child of GOD? Nowhere in Scripture will you find it to be acceptable. Standing firm in the Lord; standing firm in your beliefs is the only acceptable practice when confronted by evil. The Hebrew children responded straight-up: “we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up” (v. 18 HCSB).

The anger of the king was so ferocious, he had the furnace heated seven times hotter than normal. He had the three thrown in, looked in to gloat over his great deed only to discover a fourth man had shown up and the four were walking freely about in the furnace. Jesus showed up and what should have been a day of rejoicing for the king turned into a day of dancing in the fire for the three and Jesus.

Perhaps the fire is licking at you right now? Perhaps those you had placed your faith and trust in have now turned on you savagely and they are persecuting you, calling you names, ridiculing you—whatever it may be, you need no live in despair, You need not allow their demonic ways to hurt or hinder your walk.

It is time for the church to recognize we are not alone in the fire. We do not have to be overcome or overwhelmed by the fire rather we must learn to dance in the fire. Jesus reminds us: “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Paul assures us: “despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (Romans 8:37 NLT).

Acts 16 records the story of Paul and Silas in prison. Their fire experience was hot. They had been beat severely, locked in stocks in the cold dank prison cell yet they “were praying and singing hymns to God” (v. 25). GOD showed up in the form of a mighty earthquake that loosed their chains and threw open all the prison doors. Instead of running away, they ministered to the prison guard and many came to know Jesus that night.

Why? Because they decided to dance in the fire rather than to be overcome by it. They refused to allow the evil forces around about them to prevent them from worshipping and praising GOD—and GOD showed up!

Peter writes: “Be sober! Be on the alert! Your adversary the Devil is prowling around like a roaring lion, looking for anyone he can devour. Resist him, firm in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are being experienced by your brothers in the world.” (1 Peter 5:8-9).

It is time for us to rise up in unity and refuse to allow the evil influences of others to overcome us. It is time for us to stand strong in prayer and rejoicing in the Spirit of GOD and in His power. No matter what the evil may do to our physical bodies, they can do nothing to our spiritual. We are blood-bought children of Almighty GOD and we will not be overcome! Today, I am dancing in the midst of the fire! Will you join me?

Scripture Reading: “Rescue me, Lord, from evil men. Keep me safe from violent men who plan evil in their hearts. They stir up wars all day long. They make their tongues as sharp as a snake’s bite; viper’s venom is under their lips. Protect me, Lord, from the clutches of the wicked. Keep me safe from violent men who plan to make me stumble. The proud hide a trap with ropes for me; they spread a net along the path and set snares for me. I say to the Lord, “You are my God.” Listen, Lord, to my cry for help. Lord God , my strong Savior, You shield my head on the day of battle. Lord, do not grant the desires of the wicked; do not let them achieve their goals. Otherwise, they will become proud. Selah As for the heads of those who surround me, let the trouble their lips cause overwhelm them. Let hot coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into the abyss, never again to rise. Do not let a slanderer stay in the land. Let evil relentlessly hunt down a violent man. I know that the Lord upholds the just cause of the poor, justice for the needy. Surely the righteous will praise Your name; the upright will live in Your presence” (Psalm 140 HCSB).

Personal Prayer: Father in heaven, the attacker is attempting to maul us with lies, deceit, and ridicule. I pray the people being used to do this will realize that the evil one is leading, guiding and directing them. I pray that they would step away from those who are leading them down this path of darkness realizing these people have allowed satanic influence to direct them to destroy what You have ordained. The church is Yours, O Lord. I am yours. I pray for your protection. I pray that in the midst of the fire, I will dance with a grateful heart, being counted worthy to suffer for Your cause. Father, be with me through all of this and bring me out an even stronger believer on the other side. I love You and praise You…in Jesus’ name…AMEN!