As I wait for Feb. 1, the day of my book’s release, I sit with both the excitement and the vulnerability of revealing my creative work and reflections to readers. Today I read a comforting story in the book of Daniel about three men who were thrown into a fire because of their beliefs, but who stood unharmed amid the flames because God protected them.
As our continued trials of personal growth unfold, it can feel at times as though we have been thrown into the fire, vulnerable and dependent on the protection we hope we can find there. We may wonder if protection will be available when the fire intensifies, and sometimes it can be difficult to see through the intensity of the flames.
At such times, take a step back and think about what has worked for you in the past when trials arose. Did you find comfort and acceptance in particular friendships? Did you seek out guidance from a spiritual mentor or therapist? Did you become more intentional about the basics of self-care like eating well, moving your body, and attending to your needs? Did you allow yourself to find spiritual peace and protection in God?
Do what works for you, and take the next step that will allow you to stand in the midst of the fire and walk through it unharmed.