Faith During the Fire
As we continue to explore the book of Daniel, we read about King Nebuchadnezzar threatening Daniel and his friends for not bowing and worshiping his golden statue. Daniel 3:16-18 reads, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, ‘O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this is to be so, our God for whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.’”
Three words in this text supersede all other words in this chapter: but if not. In this moment, Nebuchadnezzar is robbed of his kingship because no matter what happens, these three men just acknowledged before him and all the other government officials there of their absolute acceptance of a greater King in heaven. They are basically telling him no disrespect, but we serve KING Jesus, a God who can easily save us, but if not, I still believe. This represents a firm, unrelenting faith as they stand before the king and declare a greater kind of faith.
Does Your Faith Stand Strong Amidst the “But If Nots”?
Many Christians are apprehensive about the 'but if not' in their relationship with the Lord. We often present our desires and needs to Christ, and He listens to them. With great faith we wait for God's 'yes' and His blessings. But the pinnacle of faith is standing before the Lord, presenting our wants and needs and simultaneously acknowledging, 'but if not, I will gladly receive whatever it is you see fit.'
The essence of this entire chapter is that in what may seem like an apparent defeat, King Jesus can deliver His people in this life and the next. We proclaim this because in God’s kingdom death is not the end. It is merely a transition as Jesus Himself said in John 12:14-25, 'I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone, but if it dies, it bears fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.'
Trusting in God Through the Trials
Pastor Matt ends his sermon with an experience he had with Beth as they were sitting on their porch. They had gotten a call from a dear friend of theirs who told them about her severe diagnosis, and there were tears everywhere so they stopped and prayed. As Pastor Matt had Daniel’s verses fresh in his mind, he couldn’t help but remind himself but if not. Together they prayed for God to miraculously make everything according to how they desired it to be, but if not, they would not bow down to the comforts of this world. This is true for all of us. Let us all stay strong in our faith and voice our desires. Never lose hope to get that yes, but if not, that is okay too because God is always guiding us.
