As we’ve walked this foster journey throughout the past 5+ years, I’ve realized one thing over and over: sometimes you have to take a crazy step first, and then you’ll find Jesus right there with you.
At lunchtime the other day, the kids were discussing the story of Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego (yes, it is adorable when the 4-year-olds try to say their names). **Pause for a public service announcement to my fellow mamas: the Superbook kids’ show is amazing–my kids love it and are actually learning the Bible stories! I believe you can find the shows on RightNow Media and Amazon Prime.**
Back to lunchtime. As the kids were talking, I began to think about these three ancient friends and their amazing courage. 1st, we do not know all of the story particulars, but we do know that they were not hiding away in their homes. They were right in the thick of things–near the “image of gold” that everyone was supposed to bow down to, near the pagan king, near the cultural reality of their time.
2nd, we know that they stuck together. Oh my, community is so important, especially when you’re facing something hard. They were determined to see this through, together.
3rd, the three friends acknowledged an incredible high truth that blows my mind every time I ponder it: “The God we serve is able to save us from the blazing furnace, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold . . .” (Daniel 3:17-18).
God IS ABLE to save us.
And He WILL rescue us.
But IF He DOESN’T. . . . What?! What trust they display for us in God’s sovereignty and higher purpose and power–co-existing together in a mystery we cannot understand (He Stands Alone), but we can still bank our very lives on.
Which brings me to a 4th realization: Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego found Jesus in the fire. He did not come to them when they wouldn’t bow down to the idol. He didn’t come when they stood before a furious king. Still He didn’t come when they were tied up and about to be thrown into a blazing furnace, made 7x hotter than usual. They were thrown, falling into the furnace. And only then did Jesus meet them.
What a God. What a miracle. The friends walked around in the fire with Jesus. Unbound. Unharmed. Just chatting and walking. I wonder: what did He say to them?
They found Jesus in the fire. After they obeyed. After the struggle, standing firm in courage and walking in faith in God’s power. After that horrible moment of falling into flames. They were not saved from the trial. They had to walk the road first, and then Jesus met them.
This adoption & foster journey has been anything but easy. So many hard stories. So many tough moments–in the midst of blessing & hope, yes!–but the realities of our world are there nonetheless, and it isn’t always easy or beautiful. But still we TAKE A STEP. That’s my encouragement. Be brave. Do something crazy. God is able and He will rescue you, but even if He doesn’t, you’ll find Jesus in the fire. And that makes it all worth it.
