Even If// 即或不然// Tetapi Kalau pun Tidak

The fire ranged, the threat was real, the three friends could have easily averted a disaster if they bowed down to the king.

But they only served one King, and would bow down to no other, no matter how much they honoured him.
And so the fiery furnace was where they were to be throwed into.

In bloody defiance – they uttered these words:

“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. 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.” Daniel 3:17‭-‬18 NIV

Even if he does not…

I wonder how many of us can say that in the face of the storms and challenges in our life.

I will pray for this healing, but even if He does not heal I will rejoice.
I will believe for a miracle, but even if He does not I will be faithful.

I want this storm to stop, but even if He does not stop it now I will still hope in Him.
I will ask for revival, but even if it tarries I will not let my heart grow cold.

A lot of times we pray seeking God’s hand to change situation and that is amazing, but are we willing to trust Him regardless of the outcome? Even if it means suffering, persecution, pain and discomfort?

As i remember the heroes of faith (Hebrews 11), I realised that faith is often mingled with faithfulness. Many of these heroes did not receive what they asked for , yet they faithfully looked forward to a heavenly city, and faced suffering and death with bloody defiance.

I wonder what your ‘even if’ is today. I wonder what our ‘even if’ is as a church in turbulent times.

It’s easy to have faith when things are smooth sailing. It is when the storm comes, when the fire ranges that we realise who our trust is in.

No I don’t belittle the suffering. The fiery furnace is hot, it is difficult, the pain and the suffering is long.

But lets remember a God who suffered for us, lets hope in a heavenly calling. Remember that one day the suffering will end, the tears will try and our heart will mend, and the ‘even if’s will be consumed in His great glory and love.

Today, hope in the Lord, He can deliver us, but find courage to say that… even if He doesn’t give us the escape we need, we will worship Him alone.

And may you find Him in the flames with you.