Michael O'Brien - Walk On Through the Fire Lyrics
Lyrics
Hey, yeah
Alright
They were unlikely heroes
In a distant land so long ago
Three Hebrew children
Shadrac, Meshak, and Abednego, oh...
In a king's fiery furnace
They found themselves standing alone
Preparing to die with the heat up high
But as they stood there prayin'
They heard a voice from heaven sayin'
Walk on through the fire
Hold on to the one who is strong
Let the flames keep rising higher
You're gonna make it through
'Cause you're not walkin' alone
Well, the furnace still blazes
Though the time and the place aren't the same
It's an ongoing battle
For the soldiers of Jesus' name
We are tried and we're tested
The embers of sorrow still burn
Smoke will rise and cloud your eyes
But if you'll just keep prayin'
I know you'll hear that same voice sayin'
Walk on through the fire
Hold on to the one who is strong
Let the flames keep rising higher
You're gonna make it through
'Cause you're not walkin' alone
I know that pain and confusion
Is so hard to bear, oh...
But I know it's not an illusion
When you feel that you can't go on
Then you'll see Him standing there sayin'
Walk on through the fire
Hold on to the one who is strong
Let the flames keep rising higher
You're gonna make it through
'Cause you're not walkin' alone
Walk on through the fire
(You better)
Hold on to the one who is strong
Let the flames keep rising higher
You're gonna make it through
'Cause you're not walkin' alone...
Video
Walk on Through the Fire
Meaning & Inspiration
"Walk On Through the Fire," a powerful track from Michael O'Brien's 1995 self-titled album, doesn't just present a narrative; it offers a profound theological reflection rooted in an age-old biblical account, urging listeners to find unwavering strength amidst life's trials. The song draws its genesis from the dramatic story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, found in Daniel chapter 3. These three faithful Hebrews, refusing to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden image, were cast into a blazing furnace, a terrifying ordeal that threatened their immediate demise. The song masterfully shifts this historical event into a timeless allegory for the Christian walk, recognizing that while the specific circumstances may differ, the essence of facing overwhelming adversity remains constant.
The core message of "Walk On Through the Fire" is one of divine presence and assurance in the face of tribulation. The repeated refrain, "Walk on through the fire, hold on to the one who is strong, let the flames keep rising higher, you're gonna make it through, 'cause you're not walkin' alone," serves as a direct echo of God's promise to His people. This isn't mere encouragement; it's a declaration of spiritual reality. The song’s lyrical progression from the historical narrative to the present-day struggles of "the soldiers of Jesus' name" underscores the ongoing nature of spiritual warfare. O'Brien emphasizes that the "furnace" of life, characterized by "sorrow" and confusion, is not a sign of abandonment but a proving ground. The lyrics directly encourage perseverance through prayer, mirroring the biblical accounts where faith and prayer were pivotal. Just as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego experienced a miraculous intervention in Daniel 3:25, where they saw "a son of the gods" walking with them in the fire, so too does the song assure believers that they have a divine companion. This divine presence is not a passive observance but an active empowerment, enabling one to endure even when "the heat is up high" and the path forward seems impossible. The certainty conveyed, particularly the assurance that "you're gonna make it through," aligns with promises found throughout Scripture, such as Isaiah 43:2, which states, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." The song’s strength lies in its ability to translate abstract theological concepts into tangible reassurance for anyone navigating their own fiery trials, reminding them that they are never left to face the heat by themselves.