But If You Don't

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 
But if not, be it known to thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” Daniel 3: 17-18

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, three Israelite teenagers taking a stand for God when facing their Captor, King Nebuchadnezzar, is one of my favorite examples of courage in the Old Testament. Knowing that their refusal to bow to the king and worship him surely meant death, they chose God and trusted in His deliverance.

None of us can be sure of what we will face tomorrow. We all make plans that may or may not happen exactly as we expect. My dogs trust me to make decisions that will benefit them. We need to rely on the Lord even more. He alone sees the beginning and the end simultaneously. He knows the plans He has for each of us.

Courage to accept God’s design for our lives develops through a close relationship with Him. Whether He saves us from the fire or not, we can trust we will not face the trial alone. Just as He was in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, the Lord assures us that He is beside us during every trial. We can rest in the knowledge that the outcome reflects His love and plan for us.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for the plans You have for me and the courage to face whatever trials may come.