YASociety - the Book of DanielНамуна

“But even if He doesn’t…”

By Brittney Mulhern

I am a huge fan of routine. I love having my days planned out. I love knowing what to expect. I love feeling comfortable! But life (thankfully) isn’t always going to align with the exact picture of how we would like things to happen.

It was so graciously revealed to me that my walk of faith isn’t about being in control or about feeling comfortable, but rather, in every trial that comes our way, being willing to wave our white flag and give Him our full surrender. It’s being willing to say, “God not my will but Yours be done.” It’s being willing to be shaped and molded into who He’s called us to be. It’s believing that the little we have can be used by God in a big way.

In the book of Daniel, we are given the perfect example of it what it looks like to live out this unshakable, steadfast, and courageous faith from three men - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

In chapter 3 of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar makes an image of gold and commands his people to worship the image. Whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. (Daniel 3:4-6) But the three Israelite men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship this image.

‘If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and He will deliver us from your majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, your majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.’

Those five words in that piece of scripture “Even if he does not...” paints this beautiful picture of how these three men knew God’s power, how they had this great desire to obey His commands even if it is not what they expected or planned.

Can you imagine having courage like that? To stand when everyone else bows. The courage to say, “I know what my God can do, but even if He doesn’t, I still choose Him.”

I know God can heal my family member, but even if He doesn’t…

I Know God can restore this relationship, but even if He doesn’t…

Even. If. He. Doesn’t.

These three men said it, knowing they could face death, yet they never looked back.

This isn’t just a courageous faith that you get to read about or dream about having. This is a faith that is fully accessible to you. It is often through tests, trials, and complete surrender that you release over your control and step into this obedience unto the Lord.

It is through this that our Faith grows deeper, and our courage grows stronger. A faith like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your complete provision over our lives. That we can rest and find peace knowing that You reign above it all. That Your plan for our lives is far greater than anything we could ever imagine. Lord, may You help us to live out this courageous faith that we read about. May You help us to keep our eyes fixed on You in every season. May You open our hearts up to complete surrender and trust in You. Amen.