Day 22 — Even If He Doesn’t

“If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

— Daniel 3:17–18 (BSB)

Remember Daniel’s three friends? Their names were Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. They had been taken to Babylon with Daniel, and they served God there faithfully.

One day, King Nebuchadnezzar built an enormous golden statue, ninety feet tall. He gathered all the important people in his kingdom and announced: “When you hear the music play, bow down and worship the statue. Anyone who doesn’t will be thrown into a blazing furnace!”

The music played. Thousands of people fell on their faces. But three young men stayed standing.

The king was furious. He gave them one more chance. “If you don’t bow down, you’ll be thrown into the furnace immediately. Then what god will be able to rescue you?”

And the three friends gave one of the bravest answers in the whole Bible. They said, in effect, Our God is able to rescue us. But even if He doesn’t, we still won’t bow down.

Do you see how amazing that is? Their faith didn’t depend on God doing what they wanted. They trusted God enough to obey Him even if things didn’t turn out the way they hoped.

The king was so angry that he ordered the furnace heated seven times hotter than usual. The three friends were tied up and thrown in. The fire was so hot that it killed the soldiers who threw them in!

But then the king jumped up in shock. “Look! I see four men, unbound and unharmed, walking around in the fire!” Someone had joined them in the flames. God had been with them the whole time.

When they came out, not a hair on their heads was burned. They didn’t even smell like smoke!

Sometimes God rescues us from the fire. Sometimes He walks with us through the fire. Either way, He’s there. And real faith says, “I’ll follow God no matter what.”

Think about it: What’s the difference between trusting God only when He does what you want and trusting Him “even if He doesn’t”?

Try this: Think about something you’re praying for. Add these words to your prayer today: “But even if You don’t, I will still trust You.”

Dear God, I know You are able to do anything. I pray that You will help me with [tell Him]. But even if You don’t do it the way I want, I will still trust You and follow You. Thank You that You are with me in every fire. In Jesus’ name, Amen.