Fire is a powerful and dynamic symbol throughout the Word of God, carrying profound spiritual significance. It is often a metaphor for the Holy Spirit and the divine presence of God. Fire represents both the warmth of His presence and the intensity of His purifying power. Certain transformations and breakthroughs can only happen within the fire—a place where everything that is not of the Lord is consumed, leaving behind only what is pure and precious.
Fire: Purification and Liberation
Daniel 3:17-18
If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to rescue us from the furnace of blazing fire, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up!”
In the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar ordered these three Hebrew men to be thrown into a fiery furnace because they refused to bow to an idol. It was within this fire that they experienced divine protection and liberation. Their bindings fell away, and they walked unharmed amidst the flames with a divine presence beside them. It is a powerful reminder that the fire is not to be feared when we walk into it willingly, trusting in the Lord. Sometimes, it is in the fire that we find true freedom. This story is a remarkable reminder to follow the Lord no matter the cost, even unto death.
Do you have that kind of faith and trust in God? Pause and ask the Holy Spirit to fall upon you and to pour out faith like the three Hebrew boys. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you unshakable trust in the Father.
Declare This Truth:
Say out loud, “The fire of God within me cannot be quenched!” The fire that the Lord kindles in our hearts is unquenchable. It is the fire of His Word that draws us back to Him, luring us closer to the One who first set us ablaze. This fire of passion, love, and devotion is meant to refine us, purify us, and set us apart for His purposes.
Drawn to the Flame
Exodus 13:21
The [presence of the] Lord was going before them by day in a pillar (column) of cloud to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night to give them light, so that they could travel by day and by night.
Are you willing to be led into the fire? The fire that leads is the same fire that purifies. It is a testament to God's unwavering presence, guiding and protecting His people. Are you led by the fire of God? Surrender to His perfect guidance in your life. Surrender to His Lordship. Being led by the Lord requires great trust and radical obedience. Do you know that the Lord goes before you and when you follow Him, He will keep you from harm? He will protect you and shelter you. When you follow Him, you will see and hear what He sees and what He is saying! Glory to God that He is your Source.
Exodus 3:2-6
The Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a blazing flame of fire from the midst of a bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was on fire, yet it was not consumed. So Moses said, “I must turn away [from the flock] and see this great sight—why the bush is not burned up.” When the Lord saw that he turned away [from the flock] to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Then God said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet [out of respect], because the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Then He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Then Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.
The story of Moses at the burning bush reminds us that God’s Fire is not like any other. The bush burned, yet was not consumed—a symbol of God’s holy presence. In the same way, His fire in our lives does not consume us but transforms us. Moses was never the same after his encounter with the fire of God. Pause and raise your hands and ask the Lord for a fresh encounter with His fire.
Nurturing the Flame: How to Keep the Fire Burning
The Source of the Fire: The Holy Spirit is the source of this flame, and it is ignited by Him alone. To keep the fire burning, we must maintain a close and intimate relationship with the Lord. He is our consuming fire, the one who sustains the flame within.
A Life That Pleases Him: Our lives must be a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This means offering every part of our lives—our time, relationships, dreams, and priorities—before Him as a sacrifice. As Leviticus 6:12-13 teaches, the fire on the altar must never go out, just as our devotion to God should be constant.
Stoking the Fire: Like a natural fire, our spiritual flame needs to be stoked regularly. Spending time in prayer, worship, and reading the Word builds the fire within and keeps it strong. Leaning into God’s presence in the secret place rekindles the flame, ensuring that it burns brightly no matter the season or challenges we face.
A Flame That Endures
Song of Solomon 8:6
Put me like a seal on your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death. Jealousy is as severe and cruel as Sheol (the place of the dead). Its flashes are flashes of fire, [A most vehement flame] the very flame of the Lord!
Lean into the One Who never fails you. He is the sustainer of your flame on the darkest of days and on the brightest. Let this be our prayer: that the fire of His love would burn brightly within us, keeping us passionate, unyielding and steadfast.
May the fire of God continue to refine, protect, and draw you closer to Him. Let your heart be ablaze with the flames of divine love, a fire that cannot be quenched.
Deuteronomy 4:23-24
“So be on your guard and watch yourselves, so that you do not forget the covenant of the Lord your God which He has made with you, and make for yourselves a carved or sculpted image in the form of anything which the Lord your God has forbidden you. For the Lord your God is a consuming fire; He is a jealous (impassioned) God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His].”
Let's Pray:
Holy Spirit, I welcome the fire of God into every area of my life. Holy Spirit, blow fresh wind to ignite a larger flame within me. Holy Spirit, give me a boldness to stand in the fire. Give me courage to walk into the fire. Make me disciplined, Holy Spirit, to keep flaming the flame within. Mark me by the Fire of the Lord. Cleanse me in the fire. Protect me in the fire. Set me free in the fire. Thank You, for everything that You are doing. Thank You, for setting my heart on fire for You Lord. Bless You Lord, for You are faithful. Thank You that according to Your Word, You who has started a good work within me will complete it (Philippians 1:6). In the mighty name of Jesus, amen.
The qualities of God's holy fire are truly wonderful, wondrous, and remarkable. I cannot help but think of the word TRUST as the foundation of not only being able to handle correctly the fire of the Holy Spirit, but to also be able to allow Him to blow through us without any fear. This can only happen through experience within the sanctuary of a personal relationship with Him.
Shanae, I love your writing!! I love how you uses Daniel's example.
And may God's fire always cleanse and purify us!
I love that you pose the question “are we willing to get led into the fire?” How we answer will determine our level of trust in the Lord. 👑
Such a powerful message! I love how we need to surrender to receive the fire! He is always leading us and through trust and obedience He will burn brighter within us! Hallelujah!!