Powerful. "If" sets up a dichotomy of results.
Having faith in the Lord means not only believing He will come through for you in the way you desire, but trusting that "even if" He does not, you still will worship only Him. You still will trust only Him. I was challenged by those words tonight as I read Daniel 3.
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, "King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 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 3:16-18 NIV)
The actions of God did not affect these men's firm faith in Him. So many times, our faith seems to build when we witness a positive act of God. When we see something we like.
"You have proven yourself worthy of another ounce of my faith'" we say, as we subconsciously throw God more spiritual coins as though He moves for our observation and affirmation. We pat Him on the head and close His compartment.
But even if? If God throws a link in your plan. If you get in an accident before a very important endeavor. If you miss your flight before a very important event. If you lose something... Very important to you.
It's in Him we move, we breathe, and have our being (Acts 17:28). So when He moves, should we not move as well? If we are truly moving and breathing and essentially being in God... We cannot help but move as He does.
So when God makes a "wrong move" in your mind, ask yourself... Is He moving wrong, or am I simply refusing to move with Him?
