"You don't even smell like smoke!"

Recently, I've been studying the book of Daniel with a Beth Moore study. We just finished chapter three. As Beth explains how Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego stood up to Neb, and were forced to face their end, three scenarios were brought to the fore front. The first scenario was that the three friends would be delivered from the fire (metaphor for today as being a trial). The second is to be delivered through the fire. And lastly, the third scenario is to be delivered by the fire. The first one of course would be what we desperately pray for on the onsight of our "trial". This scenario would build our faith. The second scenario is where so many people find themselves. In this second case, your faith would be renewed. The last scenario, which is not what we would seek, but invariably will face one day, is built to perfect our faith.
My point is that Beth Ann, a very dear life long friend has recently been through such a fire. She was placed in the second scenario and through her diligence to the Lord's way and faith in God, and doctors, she was in fact delivered through her fire. Praise be to the name of God, forever and ever, wisdom and power are his. As I watched the video last night of this bible study, the closing remarks by Beth struck me.

She said according to the end of the chapter, that the officials for King Neb.
made the comment that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abendego didn't even smell like a fire; just think about that---

For Beth Ann that means though she faced a fire she came out smelling like a rose. It made me realize that there are so many times I stink like smoke when to be honest there was not even a spark to be found surrounding me much less a raging furnace.
The thought of the renewed faith Beth Ann has now, as she has come through her fiery furnace, encourages me. I'm so proud to call her friend. This was such a unique week during bible study-I couldn't help but recognize the bitterness that Satan sends my way when I face trials. I'm so glad that I have my faith to bring me back and keep me from giving in to that temptation of smelling like smoke. After all, who likes to be around someone who stinks!