Even if He Doesn’t

We had hoped He was The One… Luke 24:21

Lord, if You had been here…. John 11:21

Even if He doesn’t… Daniel 3:18 NLT

And we know that God causes all things to work together for our good and His glory.

Romans 8:28 Becky’s version

Though the following story occurred several years ago, the emotion and memory feel like it happened just yesterday…

As I read and reread the text on my phone screen, the lump in my throat grew and the tears began to well, as what-if thoughts engulfed me… “This can’t be. Oh Lord…” Reminding myself that God is able to do above and beyond all that I could dare ask for or imagine, I tearfully, though confidently, prayed for my loved one. Certain that “A” would be the outcome of this crisis and not “B.” I was just sure…

As sure as the disciples were that Jesus was The One – the long-awaited Messiah.

As sure as Joseph, when God gave him lofty dreams of royalty and influence for his future.

As sure as Mary and Martha, when they sent word for Jesus to come quickly and heal their brother.

As sure as the three Hebrew slaves that God would deliver them in their fiery furnace crisis.

Yet Jesus was wrongfully convicted and then crucified.

Yet Joseph became a slave and then a forgotten prisoner.

Yet the three Hebrews were thrown into the fiery furnace.

Yet Lazarus died.

And yet my heart broke as I watched “B” unfold in the life of someone I love.

Listening in on the three Hebrew slaves, who were eventually thrown into the fiery pit – they made this mic-drop statement to the mad tyrant who seemingly held their life in his hands. “Our God is well able to deliver us O King, but even if He doesn’t, we will not bow down to you or your image.” (See Daniel 3)

Did you catch that? Even if He doesn’t…. Seriously? Can’t they smell the oversize grill, sizzling behind them? Where’s their positive confession?

Do I have the kind of faith that will carry me through even- if-He-doesn’t scenarios? Or is my faith resting on/dependent upon a particular outcome? As I wrestled with the reality of what happened in my outcome “B” scenario, I came face to face with my own heart, a heart that felt like God had let me down. Dropped the ball. Forgot about me. I realize it’s not spiritual to admit that, but it’s necessary …it’s real. As the Lord and I walked through that painful conversation, in the end, I told Him, “Father, even if this doesn’t change … help me trust You. I choose to trust You, even through pain and tears and whatever else is around the corner.  I know You are good. I know You are faithful.”

The same heat that melts wax, hardens clay.

Unknown

Is there an outcome “B” scenario crashing through the door of your life? Has it revealed a crack in your faith or shaken what you’ve thought could happen to a Believer?   Or maybe your outcome “B” has caused deeper, stronger roots, though mingled with real tears.

My challenge to each of us is to not allow our circumstances to drive our faith. To not allow our circumstances to define God. But instead, to look at our circumstances through the lens of God and His Word. If He has allowed it, He will use it for our good and His glory. We may not have all the answers, but we can choose to trust Him in the dark. He gave the life of His Son for us, surely He has “earned” our trust, even if He doesn’t .…

Father God, would You take my outcome “B” scenarios and use them to deepen my trust in You? While I intercede/pray in faith for the issues of life, grant me the capacity to walk on the water of my circumstances – come what may. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Written by Becky White for the Lord Jesus

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