Many trials intensify right before the breakthrough.

Just when you think it can’t get any hotter, suddenly a fresh burst of oxygen reaches the coals of your struggle and the heat turns up.

The thing that has been threatening you or delaying you begins to prophecy your demise.

Hold on!

It’s often hottest right before the breakthrough.

Fiery trials are the doorway to a miraculous turn around.

In Daniel 3, we are introduced to the fiery trial of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

These three Jewish men who were living in exile as bond servants and slaves to a foreign government did everything required of them with excellence except give their worship to a golden statue.

They were offered an opportunity to escape the consequences of their disobedience if only they would bend their knee.

Otherwise, they would be burned alive in a fiery furnace.

We pick up with their story in Daniel 3.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered King Nebuchadnezzar, “Your threat means nothing to us.

If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us from your roaring furnace and anything else you might cook up, O king. But even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t make a bit of difference.

We still wouldn’t serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up.”

Just when it seemed there was no escape, the pressure to give in intensified. More than that - the fire got hotter.

The king had the men stoke the fire until it was seven times hotter.

Then he threw them into the furnace.

The king himself tells us what happens next in Daniel 3:24-28.

“Suddenly King Nebuchadnezzar jumped up in alarm and said, “Didn’t we throw three men, bound hand and foot, into the fire?”

“That’s right, O king,” they said.

“But look!” he said. “I see four men, walking around freely in the fire, completely unharmed! And the fourth man looks like a son of the gods!”

Nebuchadnezzar went to the door of the roaring furnace and called in, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, servants of the High God, come out here!”

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego walked out of the fire

The closer you draw to the breaking point, the closer you come to breakthrough. Fiery trials strengthen our faith. The way we are strengthened is by steadfastly standing on the Word of God, waiting to see how God will work this trial for our good.

In the moments when we are beyond our own ability to change the outcome or circumstances, we begin to rest in God’s strength. As we walk through the fire, others recognize that God is with us.

Every trial does not end with the miracle we were believing for. Either way, the presence of Christ in the midst of the fire will preserve us.

Our real breakthrough is not found in a release from our trial, but in the intimate and personal care of Jesus.

If you or someone you love is discouraged because their situation is increasingly difficult or seemingly endless, encourage them to hold on.

When you walk through fire with the “fourth man” (Jesus), your persecution, oppression, pain, loss or fear have no power over you.

Waiting for a breakthrough?

Here are some recommended resources from women who have been there and can help you.