Recently, I found myself in one of those tough life experiences where I was faced with a difficult situation and of course, on my knees praying for an answer and clinging to the hope that one would come. Now guys, to reassure you, this is NOT a post where I break down the options God has to answer your prayers. And I won’t bore you with the same message of Yes, No, or Maybe. That is not what this post is about.
To be honest, guys, this post might be tough to hear. Only because there may come a moment in your own walk where you have to stare your circumstances in the face and ask: what happens if the answer I’m asking God for isn’t what I think is the best for me? If you’ve been walking with the Lord for any length of time, you realize that He often responds in ways we never anticipated. I’ve seen folks interpret this as God making a mistake, and they actually start to hold a grudge against Him.
But today, I am really speaking to those of you who have made an intentional choice in your Christian walk and can say, “God, even if you don’t answer my prayer in the way I ask” nothing is going to change between you and me. My hope is still in You. I was reminded of a similar circumstance when reading in the book of Daniel chapter 3 when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednigo were confronted with the Babylon King Nebuchadnezzar who told them if they did not bow down to his golden statue, they would be thrown into the fiery furnace. To help set the stage, at this time in history, Nebuchadnezzar was the most powerful king of the most powerful kingdom.
The important point from this confrontation is how these young men answered the King:
“King 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 deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 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 sent you.” Daniel 3:16-18 NIV
Even if He doesn’t…
How many of us could stand in that situation; in front of one of the most powerful people on the planet, faced with certain death, and still able to trust God no matter what the outcome?
Another author, Geoff Thomas, also writing about these same men in his book about Daniel give us this quote to consider,
“indeed, every Christian has to face up to the alternative possibility, that “even if he does not deliver us“ we will still do his will – serving Christ for loss, serving Christ for loneliness, serving Christ for death. We don’t have to be rich; we don’t have to marry; we don’t have to become parents; we don’t have to live; but we have to obey.”
To be honest, guys, this might be a major turning point for some of you. It’s a tough reality to face, but this level of surrender is exactly what the Lord desires from us. He is looking for a heart that offers Him complete devotion without any assurance of the results we hope for. At the end of the day, our lives are meant to reflect the purpose He has designed. Are you prepared to accept that? This is intentional strong talk about a mature Christian walk; where one recognizes that things won’t always go exactly as we planned.
Another point to consider about our story is this: God did NOT intervene and keep these young men from having to go into the flames. They still got thrown into that furnace which killed the guards that did the throwing. They were not held back from having to go through the fear of this experience but yet still trusted Him to be there too. And as we know, God did show up and even sent a physical representative to join them.
To wrap things up, guys, Scripture never promised any of us a free pass or say we are exempt from the trials of this life. Whether it’s facing a devastating medical diagnosis or dealing with the stress of your kid wrecking the family car, we aren’t spared. And in those moments, that is when you and I have to stand tall much like those young men being cast into the furnace. The important distinction is that He has given His word to never leave us or forget us. In the very center of your struggle, He is right there with you.
I understand this is stronger talk than what you are used to hearing on this blog but walking with God takes men who have resolved themselves to serve Him. No matter what. Sometimes, I just look up to the sky and say, “God, no matter what happens, You are stuck with me” and I hope you feel the same way.
Until next time Guys,
The IMS Team – Iron-man-Strength
References:
Thomas, Geoff., Daniel: Servant of God under Four Kings (Bridgend:Bryntirion, 1998).
You can also enjoy one of my favorite Christian bands, Mercy Me, with their song, Even If.
