Has God ever let you down? If I'm completely honest, the answer is yes. There are things I've asked for, begged for, that seemed to be good, righteous, helpful things. Prayers for healing for people, or a resolution to a situation that would be good. Yet, God didn't intervene. God lets bad things happen.
What do we do with that? How do we respond when bad things happen to good people? My pastor recently reminded us of the story of Shadrach, Meshack and Abednego. (Otherwise known to VeggieTale fans as Rack, Shack and Benny.) As these men faced being thrown into the blazing furnace for failing to worship a golden idol, they said these words in answer to the King:
“Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
They knew God could rescue them. "But if not." They also knew, he may not rescue them. Yet they still chose to honor their God, serve him with their whole heart, and believe him.
What have you asked God for, that he has not given you? Are you willing to continue in faith, not only when He says yes, "But {also} if not."
Kelly Combs is a Christian wife, mom, writer and speaker. You can learn about Kelly by visiting her website at www.kellycombs.com
4 comments:
This is not an easy thing for Christian's to grapple with. For me, I had to learn to have faith in God instead of faith in the outcome I prayed for. Now, if it turns out differently, I can continue trusting in His plans for me.
It is so hard to accept that God CAN do anything, but he doesn't always choose to do what we ask. We are left to wonder why he doesn't intervene, but we have to remember that there He has a bigger plan that what we can see and that even the worst circumstances can all be used to bring Him glory.
http://rachturner.wordpress.com
Oh yes...and you know the prayer I prayed...pleaded...begged...
When our Bible study group did Beth Moore's "Daniel" study, she explained that God can deliver us FROM something; THROUGH something; or deliver us STRAIGHT INTO HIS ARMS. Those 3 men understood His deliverance in a big way. Regardless, they knew God had them all in His hand. Daniel would face the same in the lion's den. We need to rest our assurance in the guarantee that God is our safety net, no matter what that may look like in its outcome. Great message....
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