But If Not

When three young men faced a fiery furnace, they knew God was able to save them but trusted Him even if He didn’t.

My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

– Isaiah 55:8 ESV

God’s Word is full of reassurance. When He does not work in the way you thought He should, the way you wanted Him to, you need reassurance.

• A family whose loved one is dying needs to know God is near.
• The dying loved one needs comfort.
• Someone who is going through a heartbreak needs to know there is hope.
• Anyone who fears the unknown needs to know God can be trusted.

God is at work behind the scenes. He may be preparing you for an unknown, greater assignment.

In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to the gold image the king of Babylon erected. King Nebuchadnezzar threatened to throw them into a fiery furnace. They responded to him with assurance, “Our God 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 (ESV).”

The three words, “But if not,” are packed with meaning. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego recognized God was going to manage this situation His way. They knew God was ABLE to deliver them, but also accepted His will if He did not. They would still honor Him and not honor the king above God.

You may think you know how God should handle a situation, but He does it differently. In those times, when you’ve lost a job, a friend, a hope or an expectation, you can be assured He is at work behind the scenes for your good. He may be preparing you for a greater and unimagined assignment.

Today’s One Thing

Choose to trust God with your situation and with your future. Tell Him you trust Him and ask Him to help you when you don’t. Be assured He is with you, working on your behalf.

Go Deeper

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