Even If ...
A couple of weeks ago, I preached a message on Trials. They are a divine instrument in our lives to craft us into the likeness of Jesus. He will use this “fire” to refine and purify us. As I have reflected on the MANY trials that we’ve had in our lives, one thing has confused me. I believe whole-heartedly in the Scriptures, and that the Bible is the authoritative Word of the Living God, and that He cannot lie, so everything in It is true. So, why is the illness still in my wife’s body, or why are finances still a struggle? If God’s word is true, and He says I am healed and promised an abundant life, then why do the trials continue?
My response (to myself) is simply “I don’t know.” But, I look to other examples in the Bible of people who had to go through some stuff, and were expecting God to stay true to His word. My boys Shadrach, Meshach and Abed Nego were faced with being thrown in the fire because they wouldn’t conform to the Babylonian ways. In Daniel 3:16-18 it says “Shadrach, Meshach and Abed Nego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’"
Sometimes, I think God is just looking for an “even if” attitude. Even if I don’t get healed, or strike it rich, or get my way...EVEN IF, I’m still going to serve Him with a grateful heart. Because, the truth is, He doesn’t owe me a thing. So, I will gladly and willingly follow Him...even if.
My response (to myself) is simply “I don’t know.” But, I look to other examples in the Bible of people who had to go through some stuff, and were expecting God to stay true to His word. My boys Shadrach, Meshach and Abed Nego were faced with being thrown in the fire because they wouldn’t conform to the Babylonian ways. In Daniel 3:16-18 it says “Shadrach, Meshach and Abed Nego replied to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’"
Sometimes, I think God is just looking for an “even if” attitude. Even if I don’t get healed, or strike it rich, or get my way...EVEN IF, I’m still going to serve Him with a grateful heart. Because, the truth is, He doesn’t owe me a thing. So, I will gladly and willingly follow Him...even if.
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