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Even If He Does Not…

It is easy to trust someone when you know something positive will come out of it; but what if you are unsure about the outcome, or if risks are involved?

Around 605 BC, the Babylonians attacked Jerusalem and took many Israelites captive to Babylon. Among them, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were chosen to undergo special training to serve King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 1).

A life-threatening challenge arose when the king demanded everyone to worship the golden image he set up, or otherwise be thrown into a blazing furnace (Daniel 3).

As faithful followers of God, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego responded to the king with a hard “No”. First, they declared that God could deliver them from the furnace (Daniel 3:17), demonstrating their trust in God’s ability and power.

Second, they said, “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 set up.” (Daniel 3:18 NIV)

“Even if He does not.” These powerful words reveal their utmost trust in God’s sovereignty. Even if God’s will was not to save them, they would still remain faithful to God. Their trust in God was not based on the outcome God would bring, but solely based on God Himself.

Trust is fragile and temporary when it is tethered to a desired outcome. Whereas, trust is stable and long-lasting when centred on the nature of God, which is constant, everlasting, and unchanging regardless of circumstances. You can trust God no matter what.

Are you able to say that too? “Even if He does not” remove my suffering, I will still trust God. “Even if He does not” change my circumstances, I will still trust God. “Even if He does not” grant my wishes, I will still trust God.

Think about how you would finish this sentence: I can trust God even if He does not ________. Declare this as your prayer and worship to God today.