Take comfort, believer under trial, in this thought: God says, “I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.” Doesn’t this word fall like a gentle shower, calming the fury of the flames? Isn’t it like armor that the fire cannot penetrate? Let affliction come—God has chosen me. Poverty may enter my door, but God is already in the house, and He has chosen me. Sickness may intrude, but I have a healing balm ready—God has chosen me. Whatever happens in this valley of tears, I know He has chosen me.
And if you need even greater comfort, remember that the Son of Man is with you in the furnace. In that quiet chamber of suffering, One sits beside you—unseen, yet deeply loved. Often, without your awareness, He makes your bed in affliction and smooths your pillow. You may be poor, but in your humble home the Lord of life and glory is a frequent guest. He delights to visit such places, to be near His child.
Your Friend stays close. You may not see Him, but you can feel the pressure of His hand. Do you not hear His voice? Even in the valley of the shadow of death He says: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.”
Remember Caesar’s bold words: “Fear not, you carry Caesar and all his fortune.” How much greater is your assurance, Christian: Fear not, for Jesus is with you. In every fiery trial, His presence is both your comfort and your safety. He will never abandon one whom He has chosen. His sure promise to His chosen ones in the furnace of affliction is: “Fear not, for I am with you.”
So take hold of Christ and declare:
“Through floods and flames, if Jesus leads,
I’ll follow wherever He goes.”