Faith

But Even If He Doesn't

by Frederick Blue 
03/18/16
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But What If He Doesn’t?

By Frederick Blue

As Christians, we live by faith and based on the sound doctrine that God is who He says He is and that by grace; we receive redemption and eternal life through Christ’s atonement and resurrection.  For Paul tell us (Romans, 8:29,30) that we were predestined and as a result, called and if we be called (by God), we are justified, and subsequently glorified.  This is a wonderful inheritance that is unmerited (as a result of our works), but a worthy one (through Christ) for God’s adopted children.   We believe this through a faith that rest on a promise from God.  I refer to His promises and the hope we have in them as “blessed assurance”.  The probability that God will come through for us based on His promises are 100%.  But what about those petitions and intercessions that we render to God that aren’t fulfilled? Not everything we ask for will God fulfill if it is outside of His will and purpose for our lives.  I ask readers the question today, what is the fall-out from a prayer request unfulfilled?  How does that affect your faith in God?  Are we mentally and more importantly, spiritually prepared for that outcome?

We can learn a lot from three Hebrew boys, who were taken from their homeland and exiled to Babylon.  They came under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar, a bigger than life icon, figuratively and literally, whose army invaded and plundered Jerusalem back in 586 B.C.  Aside from the jewels, artifacts and sacred items from the Temple, the King also ordered that the best of the best (physically and intellectually), be brought to Babylon to learn the culture and contribute to the King’s political and socio-economic power base.  Along with Daniel (Daniel Chapter 1) the three boys named Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, among others, were exiled to a foreign land.  Their names were subsequently changed to  Shadrach, Meshach and Abendnego, respectively.   Fast forward to a time where these boys were exposed to the culture, cuisine, traditions and pagan religion of Babylon, there came a time where the king issued an edict (Daniel 3).   He commanded that all of the people, at the sound of horns, flutes, zither and other instruments, bow down to the golden image (a physical symbol of his presumed deity) or be subject to a terribly painful death in a fiery furnace.  Suffice it to say, many people followed suit and obeyed the King’s command. 

The three Hebrew boys refused.  When questioned by the king, the boys responded that they were not warranted to defend themselves before the king, but that their allegiance was with the one and only true God that they worshipped! The boys go on to say that the God they serve is able to rescue them from their fate, but also stress, “even if He doesn’t”, we will not serve your gods or the golden image that you set up.   What a powerful faith in that these boys knew that God could rescue them from the condemnation that the king set forth, but were willing to endure if He didn’t.  They were assured of the inheritance that was on the other side of eternity for them.  Fast forward to today, I am curious as to whether our faith matches that of the brave Hebrew boys?  Even if He doesn’t, does not change who God is.  He is Alpha and Omega, King of kings and Lord of lords.  He is the Ancient One who created all things, and facilitates provision and healing for a fallen world.  Let’s grow in sanctification through the Holy Spirit to possess a faith that is ok with even if He doesn’t!