Jun 23 2008
But even if He does not?
In Daniel 3 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to the idol of King Nebuchadnezzar. Because of this they are given a choice–bow down or be thrown into a blazing furnace. Now most of us know the end of the story when SM&A aren’t even harmed by the blazing furnace. But what about their faith leading up to that moment? They realized that God had the power to deliver them and they were even expecting it. But check out what they said in Daniel 3:17-18
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. 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.
In verse 17 they say we know God can save us. But in verse 18 they said “BUT EVEN IF HE DOES NOT…” Talk about faith! Their faith wasn’t in being delivered it was in God! They were going to serve and worship God because of who He was/is not for what He could do for them!
Do we have that kind of faith? Do I? I admit I’m a dreamer. I’m optimistic by nature. I look for the best in people and often I get taken advantage of. I’m blind sometimes to people’s motives. I expect God to do amazing feats and move in mighty ways. In fact, I’ve seen God do some things that can’t be explained. Those events strengthened my faith and made me expect Him to do great things all of the time.
But a few times, my dreams didn’t pan out the way I had envisioned. When I was on a summer beach project while I was in college my 1966 Mustang was stolen. I actually had given God my car an hour before it was stolen. I had no theft insurance and actually had to pay for new tires on the car after it was stolen. I had convinced myself that God was going to replace my car with something better. I don’t know why but I thought somehow I was going to be given a brand new Monte Carlo SS. Don’t ask me why but that was what I was expecting from God. When months passed and now years I wonder why He didn’t provide what was in my dream. But I remember what SM&A said “But even if He does not?”
I could write of about 6-10 other stories where God “DID NOT.” What did that do to my faith? Was I disappointed? Yes. Do I wonder why He “DID NOT?” Yes. But I came to the realization that if all I expected from God was to deliver all of the time I would be worshipping Him for the wrong reason. That kind of God is just Santa Claus.
Recently I have been in a “Crisis of Belief” time in my life. I convinced myself that God was going to come to the rescue. After all if He didn’t I was in a mess. The deadline passed and I wondered where was God? Why didn’t He pull me out? I stepped out in faith to serve God and He was/is silent. What about our friend that has stage 4 cancer and has a wife and 2 young daughters. What if God doesn’t answer our desperate prayers to heal him? Does this mean God not care? Does this mean that God isn’t God? Does this mean He doesn’t care about my family, friends or me? No.
You see the words of SM&A are true. ”BUT EVEN IF HE DOES NOT.” Even if God choses not to answer my prayers in ways that I think He should does that mean He isn’t God? Does that mean I give up and turn my back on my faith? No. ”BUT EVEN IF HE DOES NOT” —- I WILL –that is I will praise Him.
What do you think?
7 responses so far
Two things: Who says God didn’t come to your rescue and do great things you haven’t recognized yet or saved you in ways you can’t even fathom yet…or, Who says the rescue isn’t yet to come and will make an even greater impact for His kingdom than if He had acted sooner.
Those thoughts aren’t what you want to hear and really don’t address your crisis of belief…hang in there my “blogging friend.” God ain’t finished with you yet!
Steve,
Thanks. I guess it doesn’t matter what I want. It matters what He wants.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..But even if He does not?
I disagree. It does matter what you want! As you know, God cares about your desires! 1 Peter 5:7 says, “He cares for you!” He does and I know you know that!
But, His plans do matter more.
Great message Kevin. I talk about this very thing on my podcast when we hit the book of Daniel.
The faith teachers say that if you say anything that reflects doubt that it limits God’s ability to work. NONSENSE! SM&A said those dreaded “doubtful” words “even if he does not.” But it doesnt mean they doubted God. It meant that they trusted in the sovereignty of God no matter what He decided.
That’s what we need to do.
davidbmc’s last blog post..Man Camp
My question is: are you ever at a point where you don’t know what to ask of God because you just don’t know anymore what His will for you is? I believe I’m closer to God right now than I have been in a long time, but I’m not confident enough in myself to know what to ask of God. For instance, your friend that has cancer, we ask God to heal, but we all die and no one is guaranteed a long life. So do we put God on the spot and say we believe that He will heal? I have to rest on the “But even if He does Not” too, but it sure would be nice to be able to say “pour a bunch of water on the altar” and then pray to God and He rains fire on it. Wouldn’t that be cool?
David,
Very true.
Jim,
I don’t know often what to pray but that is what is cool about Romans 8 when it says the Holy Spirit prays for us. Thanks for stopping by.
Kevin Bussey’s last blog post..god arrested for selling cocaine near Tampa church
One of my favorite stories of Jesus is when He came down from the Mount of Transfiguration and was confronted by the father whose son was thrown into the fire and the disciples could not cast the demon out. The man said, “if you can.” Jesus said, “What do you mean ‘if?’” The man said, “I believe. Help my unbelief.” There are times my faith lags. That is when His faith carries me. Sometimes I just have to say, “God. I ain’t got it. But Your Word tells me You are enough. Help me trust You with what I can and allow You to do Your thing, whatever that is.”
Bill(cycleguy)’s last blog post..What I Learned?