Month: February 2023

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 3:17-18

A friend told me recently about a license plate she saw on a car as it stopped in front of her.  It read: “Even if.”  That has to be a reference to this Scripture in Daniel chapter 3 which tells of the three men who were threatened by King Nebuchadnezzar.  They would be thrown into a furnace of blazing fire if they refused to bow down and worship the golden image of the king.  Verses 17 and 18 above is their response to the king’s threat.  They knew that God was able to deliver them, but even if He did not, they refused to bow down and serve his gods or worship the image of King Nebuchadnezzar. 

Later, I told my daughter about the license plate, and she asked if I had heard the song by MercyMe with that title “Even if.” We went to YouTube and listened to it together.  That is the message I have received from the Lord this week, and I want to share the words with you.  I encourage you to find the song on YouTube and listen as you read these words.

Even If…

By MercyMe

They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I’m losing bad
I’ve stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it’ll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can’t

It’s easy to sing
When there’s nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I’m held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You’re able
I know You can

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul

 PERSONAL REFLECTION

Are you personally in a “fiery furnace” of difficult life circumstances?  Or maybe you know someone who is suffering that could use these words of encouragement taken from Scripture. 

The words of this song “Jesus, I will cling to You come what may,” is my personal commitment to the Lord during this time of my husband’s undiagnosed illness.  I know God is sovereign over every cell of our bodies and every moment of our lives.  I know He has a plan for each life.  I know He is good, and I know He is faithful.  I know He is able to heal.  But even if He does not…  I will still believe and I will worship Him, no matter what.

Consider writing your own prayer to God for yourself or someone you know who needs God’s promise to be with us, no matter what.  Thank Him for His promises to be with us and never leave us.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.

In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.

Proverbs 3:5-6

On January 9^th I posted a message about my husband’s sudden and unexpected declining health.  I shared quite a few verses of Scripture that God had used to remind me of His knowledge of the situation, His constant presence, and His promise to walk daily through this journey with us. 

            As I write this now in February, we are still going through the process of various doctor visits, medical testing, and physical therapy.  But still, we have no diagnosis or treatment plan.  In the midst of this “storm,” I’m so thankful to know God and the truth of His Word.  He daily reminds me of His presence through His Word, through the prayers of encouragement from dear family and friends, and through the words of songs.  He reminds me, “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God” (Isaiah 41:10).  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God which surpasses all comprehension will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).

Here are just three of the messages God spoke to my heart to encourage me this week:

Quote from the devotional book Jesus Calling by Sarah Young on February 1

Follow Me one step at a time.  That is all I require of you…You see huge mountains looming, and you start wondering how you’re going to scale those heights.  … You tell Me how worried you are about the cliffs up ahead.  But you don’t know what will happen today, much less tomorrow.  Our path may take an abrupt turn, leading you away from those mountains.  There may be an easier way up the mountains than is visible from this distance.  If I do lead you up the cliffs, I will equip you thoroughly for that strenuous climb.  Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My presence.  Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you.

Words from the hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.

Song by Lauren Daigle (You can listen to this beautiful song on YouTube.  I’m just printing the repeated refrain that I needed to hear when I woke up this morning.)

I Will Trust You

Lauren Daigle

When You don’t move the mountains
I’m needing You to move
When You don’t part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don’t give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust
I will trust in You

PERSONAL REFLECTION

What “storm” are you experiencing in your life?

Or maybe you have family members that you could encourage with these words.

Ask God to speak to your heart personally the message that will help you trust Him no matter what you are going through.  He is so faithful to His promises.