In the Fire, but Not Consumed

Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt. (Exodus 3:1-3)

Sometimes we envision scenes from the Bible, not as how they were written, but as how Hollywood movies depicted them. Many people think God’s encounter with Moses was through a bush that was on fire but didn’t burn up. That’s not what the Bible says.

What Moses saw wasn’t just some flaming shrubbery. It was an encounter with the angel of the Lord, manifested amid the fire. Can you imagine? An angelic being, with the fire of the presence of God surrounding him, right there in the wilderness.

Yet, the bush was not consumed. Not a single leaf was charred, not a branch was singed. This interaction is a testament to how God’s power works. When we walk in the Spirit and not the flesh, we will not be consumed, even in momentary afflictions and fiery trials.

However, to withstand the fires of life, we’ve got to stop talking so much about what the devil is doing! I’m tired of believers telling me what the devil is telling them or hearing about the doubt and unbelief that is filling their heads. Don’t forget who you are!

You have authority! There are angelic forces specifically assigned to you! You have the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead in you! You are not devoid of power. Yes, you might feel you’re in the fire, but you don’t have to be consumed.

Practical Application

Say this by faith: “This problem won’t consume me.” God’s angels are with you, guarding you, guiding you, and ensuring that not a hair on your head will be singed by the flames.

Isaiah 63:9; Genesis 16:7

God of the Underdog

But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels. (Hebrews 12:22)

Most people like to root for the “underdog.” The underdog is the person who no one expects to win. It’s the person who has the odds against them. If you’ve ever felt like you were an underdog, facing an uphill battle, outnumbered and overwhelmed, I’ve got news for you—you’re not alone. In fact, you are surrounded by God’s support.

Hebrews 12:2 shares a vision of Mount Zion, the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, where there is an innumerable company of angels. Innumerable means it is beyond the human ability to count. God has so many angels ready to help you that it’s impossible for you to even calculate or figure it in your mind. Regardless of what the issue is, if you are listening to God and following Him in obedience, you’re not an underdog. You’re on the winning side.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed so hard about following God’s plan that His pores released great drops of blood. When Jesus decided to obey God, the Father sent angels to strengthen Him. And angels will be sent to invigorate, encourage, and give you supernatural strength from the throne room of heaven so that you can do what God is calling you to do in your difficult moments, even if you feel like the underdog.

There’s no battle too great, no challenge too difficult for those who are on God’s side. He has strength ready for you and angels at your command to strengthen you in a trying moment in your flesh and soul.

Practical Application

When you feel emotionally, mentally, or even physically exhausted from a challenging season, command your angels to bring you strength. God has not left you alone. Use your angels and give God thanks that even when the world calls you “the underdog,” with God’s help, you win.

Psalm 68:17; Matthew 4:11

Angels Bringing Deliverance

Now about that time Herod the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the church. And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (Then were the days of unleavened bread.) And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. Peter therefore was kept in prison: but prayer was made without ceasing of the church unto God for him. And when Herod would have brought him forth, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains: and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands. (Acts 12:1-7)

At the beginning of Acts 12, we read that Herod, the king, had already executed James, the brother of John, and now had Peter in custody. The church didn’t respond by crying, wailing, and worrying. It responded by uniting in fervent prayer for Peter.

What was Peter doing in prison? He was sound asleep. He learned how to trust at this level from Jesus, who slept on the boat in a life-threatening storm. We should all learn to sleep in the storm because if the enemy can’t take our peace, then he can’t take our protection.

Peter was so soundly asleep that when God sent an angel, the angel had to poke Peter to get up. Then, the angel gave him practical steps. Put your clothes on, get up, let’s go.

Peter wasn’t sure if this was really happening to him or if it was a vision. Regardless, Peter followed the angel’s directions. Every door in the jail that was locked suddenly flew open as Peter approached it. When Peter knocked on the door of the house where the church was praying, they thought it was his angel. That tells us the early church must have had frequent angelic encounters, and that’s how it should be for all believers.

Practical Application

There is no earthly obstacle or problem that the angels God has assigned to your life cannot thwart. When the world comes against you, God still has a plan for you. He has assigned angels to offer protection, provision, and power to help you. Don’t give up, don’t speak against God’s Word, and voice your victory as you walk by faith.

Acts 5:19; 1 Kings 19:7