Roaming in the Furnace – Living in the Presence of God

One of the most powerful incidents in the Bible that has deeply touched my heart and soul is the story of the three men in the furnace from the book of Daniel, chapter 3. I’ve spoken about it often and it mesmerise me everytime, but each time I reflect on it, it feels more intense, more intimate, and deeply personal. ( ps. this is the most exciting incident I could write about )

In Daniel 3:19–25, we read about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego being thrown into a fiery furnace that was heated seven times hotter than usual because they refused to worship the golden image set up by King Nebuchadnezzar. What mesmerizes me about this account is what happened inside the furnace.

Hindi translation of this passage brought a word into focus for me which says – चार पुरूष आग के बीच खुले हुए टहल रहे हैं, ‘tehl ’ – meaning they were roaming or walking around freely in the fire. Being a native hindi speaker this word captured my attention and drew me deeper into the moment. 'Tehlna ' doesn’t just mean walking; it implies a sense of leisure, calmness, and a pleasant atmosphere. It usually needs perfect conditions – not too hot, not too cold, a stress-free and peaceful environment.

Can you imagine that? These men were roaming freely in a furnace that was so hot that the soldiers who threw them in died from the heat (Daniel 3:22). Yet, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were calm, untouched, and moving about freely.

This was no ordinary atmosphere – this was the atmosphere of God’s presence. As verse 25 tells us, there was a fourth man in the fire, and the king said, “The fourth looks like a son of the gods!” Many believe, and I do too, that this was Jesus Himself, standing with them, covering them in His presence.

The Furnace Became Heaven on Earth

The heat didn’t matter. The fire didn’t consume them. The fear didn’t grip them.

Because they were in the presence of God – and God’s presence transforms any situation. The fiery furnace became a heavenly atmosphere, and I beleive they were used to it, familiar with it, comfortable in it. The same presence of God that they honored in their daily lives met them in the trial.

Our Trials Today – Heated Seven Times More

In our lives, the enemy often tries to heat up our trials, to make situations unbearable, to push us into fear or despair. But just like those three men, we too can roam calmly in our trials, not because the situation is easy, but because God’s presence is with us.

As Psalm 23:4 beautifully says:

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

When we are in His presence, the enemy can’t shake us. The flames cannot touch us. We become carried by His peace, sustained by His Spirit, resting like a baby in the arms of the Father.

Psalm 91 reminds us of this truth:

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’” – Psalm 91:1-2 (ESV)

There is no special time or occasion to enter His presence – we are called to live in it every single moment, to float, to roam, in His peace and protection, even when surrounded by fire.

Living in His Presence Daily

We often wait for Sundays, or special worship times, to seek God’s presence. But what this incident teaches us is that we are to live in His presence always – when times are good, and especially when they’re hard. It’s in that daily communion with Him that we grow used to the heavenly atmosphere, and when trials come, we won’t be surprised or shaken. Instead, we will simply continue to roam in His peace, even in the fire.

Let this reflection stir you to live each moment in His presence. Let every trial become a place where heaven touches earth, where the impossible becomes possible, where fear is replaced by faith. Roam in His presence, walk freely in His love.

Scripture References:

• Daniel 3:19-25 – The story of the three men in the furnace.

• Psalm 23:4 – Walking through the valley of the shadow of death without fear.

• Psalm 91:1-2 – Dwelling in the shelter of the Most High.

ps. I’d love to hear from you — has there been a moment where you felt God’s presence in the middle of your own “furnace”? How do you stay grounded in His peace during trials? Let’s encourage one another – we’re all walking this journey together. Drop a comment, share your story, or just say hi!