One of my resolutions this year was to share my faith more, and since this touched me, I thought I’d share it with you. I have this written on my kitchen chalkboard right now. And every time I read it, my heart both warms and aches…
Let me give you a little background. In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego are getting ready to be thrown into a fiery furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar for not worshiping his Gods and golden idol. When he tells them they must or they will be thrown into the furnace- this is their reply,
17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 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.” [NIV]
As we know, God saves them from the fiery furnace.
But, the important part of this passage is what they are inferring- Even IF He doesn’t save them, they will not worship these false Gods and idols. Even if they were burnt up in the blazing furnace, HE is STILL good.
This is one of the most important things I forget to remind myself of. When I am begging, pleading, praying for something wholeheartedly. When my heart is broken and my soul aching for relief. I must remember, If Not- HE is STILL good.
If my prayer is not answered in the way I want it to be. If He says No, which sometimes he does. If His answer is taking longer than I think it should…I’m a control freak, I’ll admit it. And, sometimes God doesn’t work on my timeline.
But, you know what? Sometimes his timeline turns out more perfect than you could have ever imagined, because you were only thinking of what you thought HE was capable of. And, ultimately, HE can do anything. Work miracles in your life that you never thought possible. He works beyond what we could ever fathom.
I spent 5 years praying for a baby. And after losing our first one, I was in a dark place. Then my precious boy was born…and he was sick. And I pleaded with God, “Why give me a baby, only to take him away?”
And, I didn’t feel God answer. He never gave me a reason WHY we went through what we did. Sometimes you will never know the reason. But, HE was there. Holding me in my darkest hour. Comforting me in my times of most trouble. And, I didn’t realize it until after I was already through it.
Even if it didn’t turn out how I planned, HE was good. He will ALWAYS be good.
So, if there is something you’re going through. Remind yourself, He can do anything. Don’t give up- your miracle may be just around the corner. But, if not HE is still good. He may be working on something in your life you are not expecting, and it may be better than you could have ever planned for yourself.
I hope this gives you some encouragement for today. And if you need a reminder….print out this photo and hang it somewhere you can see it. Or write it down in your journal. It may comfort you when you need it most.
Linking:
