“What if?” vs. “Even if”
Tucked away in the Old Testament book of Daniel is one of the coolest stories and phrases in all of the Bible. The 3 Hebrew young men- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego-are brought before King Nebuchadnezzar because they refused to bow before his idol. The punishment was a fiery furnace. King Neb was so furious he flew into a rage (3:13) and ordered them brought before him. He gave them one more chance to recant and bow. Their answer is classic: “We don’t need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us…But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.” (NLT)
And there it is! “If we are thrown…But even if.” No hesitation. No doubt. No whining. No wimping out. They were going to trust no matter what, even if it means being cooked. They trust God would be there with them in the fire and save them, but even if they died, they would never bow to the king. If you know the rest of the story, Neb ordered the furnace 7 times hotter. It was so hot it killed the soldiers who threw them in the fire. Almost immediately the King jumped up in amazement. He saw not 3, but 4 in the furnace. Ordered out, not a hair on their head was singed. (The whole story is found in Daniel 3).
God replaces our “what if?” with all its questions and puts in its place “even if” with all its reassurance and answers. That has got to be one of the most liberating statements in all of Scripture. Let Him do that for you…replace your “What if?” with “Even if.”
Trusting in God, even if things aren’t the way we think they should be. That’s the way to carry on, knowing He will never fail us. This has always been one of my favorite stories in the OT, Bill. Thanks for highlighting it here.
Blessings!
I love that He will never fail us! Thanks for the prompt Martha.
The song that pops in my mind is by Mercy Me “Even If”… https://youtu.be/B6fA35Ved-Y?si=Qzsgl3D0sJ_YsNIV
I thought of that song also Ryan. Although not a Mercy Me fan (too tame for me 🙂 ) I do like that song.
Father what a beautiful story of faith to serve the only true God, with all the honor and glory that You deserve. Shape in each of us a heart that will serve You no matter what if, and even if. Give us a heart that will remain as true to our Father as our Father is to us. Amen
“No matter what if or even if.” Good words Gail. Thanks.
I love the song, Even If because of the truth you wrote about. Last year I had a lady with cancer join my bible study. She refused any more treatments and continued to say God is going to heal me. She died in April so we ladies talked about the even if this week. All of them have lived the, what if, until the if they want does not happen. Then they must learn to walk the even if life. Great post, encouraged my heart. God is crazy good even if…..
Hi Betty! It is good to hear from you. Such a sad story in a way. refusing treatment because… However, her death was not in vain thanks to your wisdom and leading the ladies to the “even if.” Thanks for the imput.