Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold about 90 feet tall and commanded all his rulers and people to come to the dedication of this idol. At the sound of the orchestra, all the people were commanded to fall down and worship the idol. Those who did not were to be tossed into a blazing furnace.
Shadrach, Meschach and Abed-nego did not fall down and worship the idol. The king offered them a second chance:
O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer concerning this matter. If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; and He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up. Daniel 3:16-18
Enraged, Nebuchadnezzar had the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual and had the three young men tossed into the furnace, killing the men who threw the three into the inferno.
Nebuchadnezzar looked in and saw four men walking in the fire unharmed. He beckoned them to come out, and only three men came out of the fire unsinged.
The men wanted God to save them from the fire, but even if He did not, they would not worship false gods. Jesus walked with them through the fire, empowered them minister to the king, legalized worship of God, and caused them to prosper.
Job wanted a healing from the boils, but even if he wasn’t healed, “Blessed be the Lord.” God gave him a deeper glimpse of who He is and restored his health, family, and wealth.
Joseph wanted to be released from prison, but even if he was not freed, he would be the best prisoner he could be. God prepared him to save the country and his family and restored his freedom.
I wanted a healing from fibromyalgia and chronic illness, but even if I didn’t receive the healing I thought God had promised me, I counted my blessings. God blessed me with intense experiences of His presence and prepared me to walk with other sisters and brothers experiencing chronic illness, and restored my health.
But even if …
What is your even if?
My prayer for you
Father, You have given us so many promises, and we cling to those promises, but even if we don’t receive those promises in this life, empower us to praise You and delight ourselves in You. We trust You that You are working Your perfect work in our lives. We trust in who You are! You are the Faithful One!
