July 20: Burning but Not Consumed - Part 2

Theme: Burning but Not Consumed

Sharon Campbell-Danvers
Shepherdess CIC, Kings SDA Church

Scripture Focus: “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.”

— Exodus 3:2 (KJV)

There, in the wilderness, Moses saw something that defied the laws of nature — a bush engulfed in flames, yet not consumed. It burned, but it stood untouched. That fire was not for destruction but for revelation. It was God’s way of saying, “I am with you — even in the fire.”

How many of us feel like we are standing in the middle of a fire today?

• The fire of persecution.

• The flames of adversity.

• The heat of jealousy.

• The sting of rejection.

• The fire of trials — whether in your family, ministry, health, or emotions.

Yet, through it all, you are still standing. Scorched, maybe. Stretched, yes. But not consumed.

You may feel cast down, but you’re not destroyed. The Apostle Paul said it like this:

“We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed.”
— 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (KJV)

Beloved, you are still intact. That in itself is a miracle. The flames have been kindled against you, but they cannot consume you. Why? Because God is in the fire with you.

Just like Daniel in the lions’ den — surrounded by danger and sealed by human judgment — God stepped in. Divine protection silenced the mouths of lions. What was meant for destruction became a stage for God's glory.

And so we ask: Has your God delivered?
Yes, He has.
You’ve cried out, and He answered. You’ve stumbled, but He lifted you. You’ve feared, but He gave peace. I know who my Redeemer is!

So when you find yourself in fiery circumstances, do not fear. The enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy — but God is still in control.

He is:

• Your Defender

• Your Shield

• Your Deliverer

• Your Fourth Man in the Fire

Let the fire refine, not destroy. Let it purify, not paralyze. Because when God allows the flames, He also sets the limits. You are burning, but not consumed.

“When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”
— Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

And when you emerge, like the three Hebrew boys, you will not even smell like smoke. You’ll come out with greater faith, deeper character, and stronger testimony.

Reflection

Pause and Reflect:

• What “fire” are you walking through right now?

• Can you see how God has kept you from being consumed?

• Where has He shown up as your Defender and Deliverer?

Prayer:

Lord, I thank You that even when the fire surrounds me, I am not consumed. Thank You for being my Shield, my Protector, and my Deliverer. Strengthen my heart when the heat rises, and remind me that You are always with me — even in the flames. I trust You to bring me through, refined and restored. In Jesus’ name, Amen.