Joy

In the

Furnace
By
Debbie Guinn

Copyright ©2009.

Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright ©

1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Used by permission.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®.
Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights
reserved.
"Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001,
2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group."
 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials knowing that the
testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result so
that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4 (NASB)
 Dedicated to my dear friend, Sandy Millen…
A true example of what it means to have joy in the furnace.
 Contents
Introduction …………………………………………………………………
6

Study Format …………………………………………………………………

7

WEEK ONE: Principle 1 - The Furnace is Inevitable

9
WEEK TWO: Principle 2 - God is Always with Me in The Furnace
25
WEEK THREE: Principle 3 - God Sets Me Free in The Furnace
45
WEEK FOUR: Principle 4 - God Heals—Not Harms—Me In The Furnace
65
WEEK FIVE: Principle 5 - God Works His Perfection in The Furnace
85
WEEK SIX: Principle 6 - God Receives All the Glory through The Furnace
109

Group Discussion Questions ……………………………………………………

133
Introduction
March 2007. Once again, I found myself celebrating the debilitating effects of Multiple
Sclerosis. Yes, I said celebrating. To be more specific, I was having a colossal pity party.
“But God, I have so much to do, and everything takes so much effort. Even the
simplest of tasks are impossible. I don’t think I can take much more of this.” No one, not
my family or friends could help me. I felt afraid and lonely, just wanting it all to end. My
circumstances overwhelmed me, and I was desperate to find peace. To put it bluntly, I
was sick of being sick.
I opened my Bible to the book of Daniel, to the story of Shadrach, Meshach and
Abednego, who miraculously survived a literal fiery furnace. The more I studied, the
more I considered my own furnace. God began speaking to my heart, revealing what He
does in and through the flames of my own trials. Yes, I believe that all trials—yours and
mine—serve as tools in God’s master plan for our lives. While I was unable to do much
physically, God did plenty spiritually. He taught me how to be truly thankful for trials,
rather than simply choosing to be happy in spite of them. I discovered it is possible to
rejoice—yes, even get excited—about the toughest, most painful of trials.
Recently, I heard Beth Moore comment on writing Bible studies. She explained
that she writes what she finds interesting as she studies God’s Word, hoping that others
will find it interesting as well. That is exactly why I have written, Joy In The Furnace.
Studying God’s Word excites me, and I simply cannot wait to share the truths God shared
with me, praying they will benefit all—including you—who find themselves in their own
fiery furnace.

Father, I praise You. May You alone be glorified through the words and message of this
study. And may each one who makes the journey through these pages find strength and
encouragement as they drink from the Living Water of Your Word.
Study Format
Joy In The Furnace is a six-week study. Each week is divided into five days of
homework containing four different focus sections:

• DAY ONE: Principles of the Furnace (by weekly topic)

This section is primarily reading on your part, where each week you will
discover each of the six joy producing principles found in the story of
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

• DAY TWO: Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego’s Furnace

This section contains a review and application of Shadrach, Meshach, and

Abednego’s furnace. You will examine their story and ponder thoughts
concerning their experience.

• DAY THREE: Others in the Furnace

This section shows how each principle is exemplified in the lives of others
throughout the Word. The primary purpose is to reinforce each principle
as demonstrated by more than just three men in the fiery furnace.
Secondarily, this section will challenge you to dig into the Word of God,
developing a deeper love for studying the Bible.

• DAY FOUR: A Deeper Look at Others in the Furnace

This section continues our journey through God’s Word, identifying each
principle with those from Scripture who encountered the furnace. Your
 study of the Word will lead you to understand that these principles are not
only reserved for men and women of the Bible, but also hold true for you.

• DAY FIVE: My Personal Furnace

This section will take the truths you have learned and apply them to your
own personal furnace(s). As you honestly work through these questions—
with your Father—you will find true, lasting joy in your furnace.

* Group Discussion Questions are located at the back of the book. They are meant to
stimulate meaningful discussion. It is my hope that the focus of discussion groups would
be on sharing, praying for and ministering to each other regarding current furnace
experiences.

WEEK ONE
 The Furnace is Inevitable
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will
have trouble.
John 16:33a (NIV)