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.
Thank you, dear Sherrilyn, for sharing your life and heart with us. God’s Word does not return to Him empty but accomplishes that for which it is sent. The truth you shared applies to all of us in some form because we all carry hopes, dreams, desires, and longings. This week, God’s lesson to me is that “even if” He has something other for me than what I desire, I will trust His love and provision.
The diagnosis Dave told me today is so sad. My whole BSF group is praying for him. I pray for strength for you as you shoulder more and more home duties. God bless you.
So beautiful