Untouchable

I'm reading the book of Daniel and was struck one day this week as I read 3:27.  We learn earlier in chapter 3 that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had been tied up and thrown into a furnace so hot that it killed the soldiers who got close enough to put them in.  King Nebuchadnezzar sees four men (instead of the three that were thrown in) walking around in the "roaring flames" unbound and unharmed.  He calls the three men out of the fire.  They come out and we read in verse 27 (New Living Translation):

Then the high officers, officials, governors, and advisers crowded around them and saw that the fire had not touched them. Not a hair on their heads was singed, and their clothing was not scorched. They didn’t even smell of smoke!

They had been in the midst of the flames but someone who hadn't seen them there wouldn't know it.  They were in the fire but it had not touched them.  And so it can be with us.  While we may bear physical signs of battle, God's presence with us (like His presence as the fourth person in the furnace) and His promise never to leave or forsake us give us "the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7 NKJV) and "joy inexpressible and full of glory" (1 Peter 1:8 NKJV).  I've often heard of and even met people who are exuberant and joyful and positive despite what appear to be crushing circumstances.  God desires to give us beauty for ashes, but we must surrender our ashes to Him so our hands and hearts are free to accept the beauty He has for us.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
Because the Lord has anointed Me...
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

Isaiah 61: 1a, 3 NKJV

Glory to God indeed!