Text: Daniel 3:1-23
“And if not…”
I feel like that’s the rally cry of my faith. I hold on to the idea that Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego had. I believe that God will show up, that He will show up here on Earth and move in His people and move mountains.
“And, if not…”
And if not, He is still good. He is still the King Most High. He alone is still worthy of our worship. It is still worth it. It would be far better for me to perish than to live a life of bowing down to a lesser god.
We may not live under a government that dictates who or what we can worship, but how often do we voluntarily allow idols to take residence in our life? Comfort, safety, health, wealth. How often do we bow down and sacrifice for those things?
I have hopes. I have desires. If I’m honest, sometimes I hope God’s desires line up with my desires for my life, not the other way around.
But, I believe I’d give up comfort, safety, health and wealth to more fully know God. I believe that giving up those things would benefit me here on Earth. And, if not, I have the comfort of knowing there is glory in Eternity.
Do you have something you are hoping God will show up and do? Do you trust that He is good to grant that desire? Do you trust that He is also good in the “And, if not…”?
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73 thoughts on "and if not"
I have let go of a man that I’ve been with for more than twelve years and no talk of marriage won’t go church with me and now I’ve asked him for space n he’s alre moving on, but I still gotta trust God
I love this way of thinking!! That even if our life isn’t comfortable or desirable here on earth, it definitely will be in Heaven one day! Following our Lord is so worth all the struggles we may face and it may not be an easy way of living all the time but I would rather please Him than this world that’s for sure!!
Loved this!! I’ve recently been meditating on this passage as it pertains to what is going on currently in my life. I feel so enriched this morning because the Lord put this little devotional in my path to remind me that I’m covered on all sides.
God is the sovereign Almighty who sits on the throne. There is none to compare to Him nor take his authority. We see what happened when Lucifer attempted to overtake the throne. He was changed into a hideous monster. The third of the angels who joined in with his attempts were also changed into hideous monsters. Satan and those other fallen angels were cast out of God’s Kingdom. The old dragon and demons know their fate. We must keep our focus on God because even if He doesn’t take us out of the fiery trials, He will keep us and protect us. We won’t be consumed by the fire. He didn’t say we wouldn’t go through the fire. He just promised to keep us. I will trust in the Lord my God forever!!!
I am drawn to 1 Peter 5:9 as I make my way through these comments. At a pivotal stance in my walk with Christ, I have encountered my fork road. Do I choose to trust God knowing there is hurt and pain awaiting me or do I substitute God with my own ego in what will be a disastrous attempt in prolonging the inevitable. I found encouragement and strength through the words of others tonight so thank you to all of you. I am not alone in this and as scared as I am, just like tonight God will provide. Philippians 4:13.
I love this story and admire the faith and trust that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abemdego has in God. They were literally put through the fire! I’ve been blessed with a pretty good life, but like everyone, I’ve had my share of fires to go through. Thankfully I continue to trust in Him and God always shows up in his perfect time. But I must say, I haven’t been in any “7 times hotter” situations…yet. I pray that I have the faith of these three, when the furnace is 7 times hotter. I pray I have the “and if not” mentality.
Daniel is my favorite book of the Bible and here I never really thought about these particular verses regarding Shadrach, Mecshach, and Abednego. Regardless of whether God would deliver them from the fire or not, they believed that He would do what was best for them. They kept their faith regardless of what the world was saying. They never gave up on God.
I feel like sometimes I can give up when it comes to my health. I have so many setbacks and get discouraged, but I have to trust in God. He is good no matter what. If I never get a complete healing from my illnesses, I know that He is good and is using me as a vessel in His greater plan.
Because if not…there is always a reason. God gives us trials and tribulations that we must choose to either lean on Him or turn away from Him. I know that with each day, I must put my faith in Him that he will deliver me.
This world seems to offer a glittering display of choices, each one more exciting than those offered by God. But even though following Him is sometimes like walking into a thick, dull fog, that’s what I hope to do. For my hope is in Him. Even if He doesn’t seem to be present.
I have no other hope. I refuse to rely on the lesser gods of comfort, money or my own wisdom.
My Lord, I was so blessed by this devotional! It was exactly what I needed to hear. Sure like everyone else I’ll get to a sticky situation and feel like god hasnt moved as quickly as i would like so I’d get to the point where I’m like “God to do hear me? Are you still there? Did I miss the revelation you sent me? Where are you Lord?” But all in all I trust that he is always here. I trust that he wouldn’t leave me especially when I need him most. There is something I went to God about right before reading this and there is no doubt that he will either grant this desire or provide clarity of why that isn’t for my life. And if not…. God is still awesome. He still died for me to save me soul, he still has a perfect design, he still is the author and the finisher. He is STILL enough. He still loves me, had mercy of my life, allowed grace to keep me. And who am I to question him? Who am I to be fed up with God?
yes i do believe that god is good and will show up when you really need him, only just at his stage of real help for you. i also think we can put are self in a places where we don’t belong at. then want to turn around and ask for help from god knowing that this is not the place he send you to. when you know it the wrong turn and you still do it. i think that that will be a lesson for you to learn.
I trust JA H will show up, and GIVE me my desires, if it is within his will.
This is for Ms. Denise. I had six miscarriages the sixth one I delivered the nurses bought him to me to hold by choice. On the seventh pregnancy I went full term! . It wasn’t until I stopped trying to do it myself and I actually stopped concentrating on it. I truly gave my care s to The Lord and in His time I conceived. Keep the faith! It will happen in His Time!! God Bless You!
this devotion is a blessing. It made me confess that I don’t think God will show up and allow my husband and I to have a baby. We have been trying for awhile now. I don’t fully trust that he will grant that, not as much as before the miscarriage. And if not, …. I’m not prepared to answer that yet. I would be so crushed. But I do know my god is faithful. But I will confess that would be so painful if that wasn’t his plan for us.
If God does or don’t do what I hoping he does, I will continue to stand on his word.
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. Isaiah 55:8
I must thank you foor the efforts you’ve put in writing this site.
I’m hoping to see the same high-grade blog posts
by you later on as well. In fact, your ceative writing
abilities has encouraged me to get my own, personal website now ;)
Yes. This, THIS, is how I feel!
Boyfriend ended it this weekend because he isn’t a Christian yet. Trusting God that He saves him and if not, He is sill good.
Recently I have had a major health issue. Misdiagnosis after another. All I had left was to cry out to Jesus. He is my king, my father, my deliverer! I left my health and life in His mighty hands! I prayed his will be done! HE DELIVERED ME! Thank you Jesus!
I a movies about those three men a few nights ago.. i wished that i had half of the faith that tjose men had in God…. yes i do faith but, i dont feel that where i
For years I prayed my mother to have her health restored and pain subside. I prayed His mercy on her. She lived with chronic intense pain for three decades that only worsened.
Without going through all her inflictions, my mother died 12/20/12. I did not expect to lose her and mourned for her. However, I know He is still good and worthy of my praises.
I realized He answered my prayers by taking her home when she could no longer take on the journey living in such a broken body. I will see her one day in her new body no longer in pain dancing at His feet.
He is still good and worthy of my praises!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BTcU2SRT2k Colon cancer screening is an exceptionally secure diagnostic and preventative treatment that enables doctors to recognize polyps and other developments that may want to become colon cancer cells. Nevertheless, like all clinical procedures, there is a tiny risk of difficulties. Thankfully, issues linked with these treatments are very rare, and the advantages of detecting colon cancer cells early far outweigh the possible downsides.
Years ago this passage became a favorite of mine during a really tough period. What spoke to me was that He didn't put out the fire, We don't see where The Lord removed their natural fear of fire. BUT The Lord went through it with them every step of the way. They experienced the peace of God enough to stand talking to Him while in the flames. When the men emerged they had even been protected from any physical sign (& I have to think emotional sign) of the ordeal. Their faith had been strengthened and The Lord had allowed them to witness to a kingdom. He may not remove us from a scary situation but He will be with us every moment & if we continue to have faith & keep our focus on Him, not the flames, we will be victorious.
Stepping out of my comfort zone… that is the hardest part. This will work if i just let go and let God. After all, HIS burdon is not heavy. It is very light.
I am recently going through a hard time with my boyfriend. We started things a little too fast and we are just now getting aroun to having heart to hearts with each other. He admitted to me that he feels he is pullin away from God. We have take. A break so he can find God and lean who Gos wants him to be so he can be the man of God that I need. The thing that I desire the most right now is that God shows up for him and I know He will. I hope that we will work out but if now, I know that he will have found Go and himself.
I’m a little behind but still wanted to write. This. Is. Me. My family has been struggling with a transition and although we are on the upswing it is still a mountain to climb. I’m worried, I have made myself sick with anxiety. I always praise my God. I know He will come through. But if not… Here’s my conviction… I dot want to believe there’s an “if not” I want to believe that what I want is what I need and it has to line up with the will of God. Or does it? He’s got a bigger plan. I want to scream, “haven’t we suffered enough?? Don’t you see us?” When, as someone put it before, if he first nothing else for me, he has done amazing immeasurable things so far.
Hard but needed truth.
I often say if god doesn’t do another thing he already done enuff my faith is so much like this devo I believe god for everything n if he dnt do it I still believe em for it I love these devos jus blesses my heart n my soul everyday for thee encouraging word
My God always come through no matter how long He takes to answer me. I have one other request that I keep taking into my own hands for years now but I have decided to make it known to He. Pray with me that i will study and score a good grade on my TEAS test for nursing program.
I am in awe at all you wonderful ladies pouring your hearts out here, and I can feel the strength in your words. I have been struggling lately with seeing the path God wants me to take. My husband and I have been married 21 years. We come from different religious backgrounds and have never been able to agree on a church. The last year it has been very heavy on my heart and mind that we should find a church family. Someplace we can feel comfortable and grow and learn God’s word. A place when my children can flourish and feel His presence! We have been so blessed and we give glory to God, but I know we should be giving more to Him. I pray that God will light our path and open our hearts to lead us to where we should be… And if not…I will continue to pray for his guidance and know that His will, will be done. Amen!!
And if not…..powerfull words. I struggle with this in my life and I truly hate everytime I do because I worry and worry about these earthly things and at the end God always comes thru for me. I ask God to not let me forget all the marvelous things he has done for me so when these times of weakness come my way I could lean in his faithfulness. I am needing God to help me this week with something that seems impossible and he will be there for me ..and if not….he is still my God
I worked in a job for the last three years and it was pure misery. There was nothing that I could do to satisfy those I worked closely with on a daily basis. They shunned me and intentionally made every effort to push me out of the door. On September 30th, I was approached by one of my coworkers, who out of nowhere told me that no one wanted me in the office, nor did they like me. I said nothing because I refused to stoop to thier level. Instead, I walked away and returned to my office, feeling numb. My heart was broken. It had been broken for so long. I sat there an cried so hard that I could not get myself under control. Within a matter of minutes, I caught myself packing what little personal items I had into a box and walked out without a second thought. My entire being was so numb and my mind was scattered. I held onto this job solely for the money. It helped to provide a comfortable life for my husband and I. My health has been not been good and I have suffered depression, an eating disorder, high blood pressure, and I was absolutely miserable. I wanted nothing to do with anyone. Within an hour of leaving the office, I ran into an old teacher of mine. He is the HR manager for a local bank. Well, my career is in banking. It is what I have spent the last 7 years of my life on. After briefly talking with him, I gave him a resume and told him to call if a position came up. I remember feeling so lost, driving around trying to get my thoughts together. My husband, being the wonderful man that he is, was actually on duty at the Fire Dept that day, so I was only able to briefly tell him of my sudden decision to leave. I was mortified that he would be so upset, solely because we need two paycheck still survive. He was so gracious and reassuring. He told me that everything would work out. I couldn’t keep it together, all I could think of is all that I walked out on. After leaving my husband, I headed back towards home. As I was driving, I received a call from a local, unknown number. Reluctant to answer, I managed to take the call. It was the manager of the bank that I left my resume with. She was calling from a branch that is in my town and only a 5 minute drive fromy house. She asked me to come in the next morning for an interview. I couldn’t believe it! It was just absolutely amazing. I called everyone to tell them of this unreal phone call. So, the next morning, I put my best clothes on and managed to find the smile that I had hidden for so long and made my way to the interview. I knew from the beginning that I would love to work at that bank. It was cozy, everyone spoke, and I felt this unusual peace within me. We chatted for a bit and she showed great interest which excited me to no end. She said that she has a couple more interviews scheduled for that day, but she would let me know something soon. Although I was anxious all day, I remained calm and rational because I knew that I was probably up against a slew of other applicants. At 4:30 that evening, I received another unusual phone call. It was the HR manager…he was offering me the job! I took quite a pay cut and I am currently working part-time with full-time hours, but it has been amazing. I feel at home with my new coworkers. My manager is a wonderful woman who is pushing to get me a full-time status. They have gone out of their way to make me feel comfortable and I am so grateful for the blessing of this new job. God had his hand on my situation and led me to where I needed to be! He is such a gracious and awesome God and I give him ALL OF THE GLORY! Where there is God…there is a way!! Praise Him!!!
Praise God… AMEN. X
I choose God Almighty. He may not choose to appear to me the way I want him to, but when he did show up, it was the most awesome glorious amazing way that I can’t ever have imagined for me. Praise Jesus. He truly knows me best.
I love this message…no matter the outcome..no matter what WE expect and want the outcome to be, His will is final and perfect even though it may not seem to be. God in His mercy, loving us endlessly regardless of our hearts! Wow so precious. Praying for all my sisters today..in whatever may be your battle, please pray strength for me as well. May I turn to you Lord and praise you ALWAYS..Amen!!!
We so need reminding that if not….HE is still good. And worthy……..
During WWII at Dunkirk, “but if not” were code words used. Here is link:http://www.dodsonlumber.com/Acts242/?p=776. I pray for Sam & Roselle & all of us who need to trust GOD in all circumstances. He loves us with an everlasting love.
Just the reminder I needed! No matter how much I know or have read certain bible passages, I sometimes forget the most poignant and God gently reminds me each and every time of what I should be focused on—-HIM in all things and in all circumstances! There is no other name like the name JESUS!
Do you have something you are hoping God
will show up and do? Do you trust that He is
good to grant that desire? Do you trust that
He is also good in the “And, if not…”?
He is still good. He always shows up, just not when we think He should. In our human nature, we still want control. We have to be willing to trust Him in EVERYTHING and let Him have control in our lives. When we do this, we literally avoid those fiery furnaces in our lives. Been saved from them time and time again. He is good whether or not it comes to pass. He’s truly done enough and more than I deserve yet He still continues to do more in my life. We get so caught up in what we have here on Earth because it can be given and then taken. No one can take away what’s in store for me in Eternity. “How often do we bow down
and sacrifice for those things?” Very thought provoking question. How much different would things be to refuse to bow down to them? They let it be known that whether they lived or died that they would never bow down to that idol. I want to be that firm and unwavering in my faith.
Thank you so much for the prayers uplifting Sam! I love the SRT community. You ladies rock!
I’m kind of at that crossroads myself right now.
And if….
I just hope that if I’m not meant to be healed in this life that I’d be able to convey, especially to my kids, that YES- God is still GOOD!! No matter what. He is still the One I believe in, trust in, rely on and that it does serve a purpose- whatever that may be! In my heart, I believe part of that purpose is to illustrate just that:GOD IS GOOD- ALL THE TIME!!
Thanx for the reminder, and have a blessed weekend Sisters! :)
Wow Ellen, your post really spoke to me. Thank you for your incredible words. I am a single mom, and I also agree that letting our children know that God is still good no matter what and that whatever our circunstances, He has everything under control and is working it out for our good. What an incredible message to pass on to our children, family and friends
Bless you and all the wonderful ladies who are doing SRT.
Praying for Sam, that his light continues to shine for those who love him and for our Lord’s glory, because He IS so good! ♡
Oh Melissa! Praying for Roselle, that her light continues to shine! I know what you mean about someone who is obviously so faithful, so true to our Lord…I would aspire to inspire… such as Roselle has done in her time of suffering…
Bless both of you!
This post, thank you for it!
I know God is good, but I still needed to hear it today. I find myself hoping for the best but doubting it’ll happen the way I want it too. I often find myself praying “Lord I believe! Now help me overcome my unbelief!”
I have a friend from bible study that I’ve known for a very short time. I seriously have never met another woman who is so strong, so faithful, her light shines so bright ladies. She’s been an inspiration to our whole group.
She’s also dying. Her kidneys are failing and she’s stopped dialyses because of the complications it’s causing for her body. And even still, she still says God has promised to heal her. With the inference that the healing may not be in this life.
So we pray that God heals her, that her light will shine on us for a bit longer, that miracles do exist, thankfulness for Roselle being brought to us, and that our God is a God of love, mercy and healing.
I know that God is faithful and hope Roselle will be healed.
And if not…then she will STILL be healed and at our Father’s side.
God is good. Amen.
Oh how I love this! Such a beautiful reminder of how loving the God we serve is, and how worthy He is of our full and complete trust. Our God can deliver us from any trial; even when we feel as though we are being thrown into the hottest of furnaces. But if He does not? He is still good, still loving, and still has purpose for our trials. In circumstances where He does not save us from the fire, we can rest in the fact that He is either refining us for our good, or that He will use our suffering as a witness to those around us. I desire faith like that of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego; where I refuse to bow down to any other idol, and where I trust that He can save me in any circumstance, but even if not, He is still good.
We must be still and know that he is God. I feel like God does ALWAYS answer our prayers, it is just in His time and in His way. So we need to learn to be patient and except when He is going to bring into our life and know even if its not the way we wanted it, its the way He wants it, and that is obviously the correct way.
If —- then GOD will take care of me. Thank you Father that no matter what comes You care for me.
I love this post so much!!! I was just talking about suffering in God's name with a friend yesterday. It's all about His glory and bringing people into the kingdom. Whether we suffer or are saved, when we stand for God and love him for him, it ministers to those around us. Nebudchanezzar blessed God after he saw that Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah (I love their Hebrew names!) were saved. It's all for His glory and I'm just glad that we get to be a part of it. Happy Friday ladies!
How relevant. Lately, I've been feeling like I haven't been giving over to God all of my life, and a lot of temptation has made itself present. Father, I give it all over to you. You've told me the way to walk; help me to do so with increasing love for and trust in You. Praise you, God!
Oh, how I love this post. He is good. Always good. Amen.
I still have this as my lock screen and I say it daily. I tell friends who come to me with troubles (or vis a versa) that if this or that or this does not happen…he is still good. He is good and that is all we need.
This morning, I was struck by the idolatry that hardened Nebuchadnezzar's heart against God and I know there are areas in my life that I've allowed to slowly creep into spaces where Jesus should have all the Lordship. Today, I'm asking Him to make me sensitive to those areas and to show me how to give them over to Him.
And if not….It would be far better for me to perish than to live a life of bowing down to a lesser god.
Do you have something you are hoping God will show up and do?
Yes….I do. I need my shoes of Peace to be double knotted – glued by the Blood – and guarded by the Holy Spirit. I need my belt of Truth to be bolted down. I need my shield of Faith polished and its strap reinforced. I need my breastplate of Righteousness securely affixed and guarded by the Angel at my rear. I need my helmet of Salvation permantently sealed.
I am about to go into battle and I need to be ready. And then I need to stand aside and be still, and let Him fight for me.
I pray for all of us, in whatever battle we find ourselves in, that we have permanently placed on our Armor, and that in the battle, we let go of our agendas, and let God fight for us.
Praying with you for Sam and his family!
Yes, this word profoundly struck me the first time. I have called upon it several time times since. I hear the tough guy say it "AND IF NOT what are you going to do about it?" And then hear my transformed heart, gently but with great confidence say "and if not, whatever You want Lord, whatever you think is best–Your grace and mercy is sufficient for me." Amen for a new heart!
First of all…Yes this is another of my favorites; thank you for allowing God to use you Hayley. @Terri, I am rejoicing that your prayers were answered. @Lindsey, I am praying for Sam and his family. Yes, God, He is the same One that answers all prayers. The “and if not” is so much easier to handle when we have hope and our Father always finds a way to give us the hope we all need. Sisters just keep the faith and know that He loves us too much to ever forsake us. He only wants what’s best for each of His children.
Ladies, this post spoke volumes to me today. One of our dear friends just received the news that her husband has stage 4 colon cancer that has spread to the liver, lungs, and lymph nodes. His prognosis is bleak, but this family is strong. They are fighting it! I definitely believe in the power of prayer, that God can move mountains, that He can work a miracle and that this wonderful family man- awesome Daddy and husband- would be wiped clean of this cancer that is taking over.
But if not….God is still good.
I know that in my heart that God is still good no matter what, but oh how I hope and pray that He WILL deliver a miracle for this incredible family.
Sisters, would you please pray for Sam today?
Praying for Sam and his family.
will pray for Sam and his family…..God is still in control.
Praying for Sam.
Praying!
Yes, Lindsey. Praying now.
Praying for Sam and his family today.
Heavenly Father, we praise you for your love and care for us. We praise you that you have the most wonderful plans for us, and that you will guide us in our journey if we take your lead. Be with Sam, renewing his spirit day by day, let him place his hope in you, in what is eternal. Father, we ask you to heal Sam, restore his body to health, let his healing glorify You, our Great Physician. Give peace and comfort to those who love Sam, especially his wife and children. Lord, how we love you! We pray this is your will, but if it is not, Father, we rest in knowing You have beautiful plans for Sam.
I am a firm believer of the power of prayer. I know God can move mountains. A few years ago my mother had a massive stroke. Her prognosis was also bleak. However after spending time in prayer and meditating on God's words I could actually feel Jesus presence in that ICU waiting room. I'm a nurse so I know how grave medically the situation. The doctors said recovery didn't look good, even if she survived the stroke she would probably be a vegetable. I believe in God's words so I meditated on scriptures about what faith can do. (Mark 11:24) I told the doctor without doubt, "my mama is going to make a full recovery". I asked The Lord to restore her enough to return to church. I envisioned pushing her down the isle in a wheelchair but God, hallelujah, my mama walked in that church on a cane and she really was just carrying the cane. My prayers are with you and regardless the answer God's will is good and perfect.
PEACE..Speaking LIFE into your situation either here or Eternally..PEACE of our Heavenly FATHER to you ALL..We are still human!grieve deep get it out..Celebrate LIFE for your loved one..nothing "new" here being said, I simply felt led to respond. in Jesus Love..(my family and friends have over the last 2 yrs have lost 3 of 4 parents, mine 3 weeks of each other…my youngest daughter fianse' and 12 other young people in our circle..I was blessed many times over in how GOD just simply showed up.Thru the most unique ways..thats GOD for U! Blessed and highly favored and so are you;*)))
My testimony is that I have prayed for over 7 months for something so close to my heart. When I lease expected it our Lord and Savior showed grace and mercy and showed up! All honor and praise is yours Almighty King! Yahweh! Thank you for your forgiveness Lord.
I have been away…but am so glad to have a home to return to that allows me to meditate His word! Thank you SRT. Today my prayer is that we have the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego…knowing Yahweh will show up and if not he is STILL good…he is STILL GOD! Have an awesome day friends!
Peace to you. I believe God is ALWAYS there! I choose Jesus as my Savior when I was a small child..I wasnt BORN AGAIN until 40!! However, MY GOD the Father raised me with the HOLY SPIRIT as my 'conscience' as i have seen in hindsight..HALLAULA…neway. I choose HIM..HE is Faithful, Ominipresent…just stop-look-listen..it is up to us to USE GOD AS HE MADE US TO..giving us all, everything JESUS His Son had is ours for the 'taking' asking-seeking-knocking…..stand, find sisters and brothers IN CHRIST JESUS..and justbe real.the HS will guid you just listen..Jesus already showed us how to live..Than HE thru FATHER GOD Saved us..keeping God front and center in your life will give you dikrection- dicrnment-blessings-favor..All around you who see you will probly …..want some ;*)))) Give it to them..love them to thr CROSS