Day 3

Trust When It’s All on the Line

from the Trust in the Lord reading plan


Daniel 3:8-30, Isaiah 43:2, Galatians 3:7-9

BY Ellen L. Taylor

Even if not, He is still good.

I’ve seen that phrase everywhere—all over the Internet, on Pinterest boards, college dorm room walls, coffee mugs. It’s used time and time again to remind us that God is still good in the midst of trials and pain and suffering.

But is He?

I don’t believe in the prosperity gospel, the lie that tells us if we believe in God enough and work hard enough to somehow live lives worthy of His love, then He will lavish upon us riches and good fortune. But I do believe that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17). I believe Scripture teaches us that God’s good plan—the one He’s written from the beginning of time—ultimately ends with an eternal kingdom of no tears, no death, no pain, where all things are made new (Revelation 21–22).

But is God still good here and now, when everything in life seems unstable? Is He good when all you thought you knew is ripped out from under you? Is He good when the diagnosis is grim, when the suffering won’t stop, when the uncertainty lingers? Is God still good when everything in life feels broken and nothing is going the way it should?

He is. We don’t have to understand it to know that it’s true (Hebrews 11:1).

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were real-life examples of living out that Pinterest-worthy saying: Even if not, He is still good. They risked their lives for their faith by refusing to bow before anyone or anything but God. In doing so, they brought Him glory. And when pushed on the matter by the king, they simply said, “If the God we serve exists, then he can rescue us… But even if he does not rescue us, we want you as king to know that we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statue you set up” (Daniel 3:17–18).

Their faith in God’s provision and protection was so strong that they were willing to walk into the flames, believing that He would save them. And they were confident in their decision because of their dedication to their God—even if He chose not to rescue them from the fire.

The same is true for us. No matter the circumstances that come our way, when we walk through the pain and trials of life, this truth remains: we are still His, and He is still ours (Isaiah 43:2). And He is still good.

What came of those three young men? A king was humbled, and the eyes of an entire kingdom were directed away from their false gods to the glory of the one true God. All because three powerless people said, “Even if not, He is still good.”

Ellen Taylor was born and raised in sweet home Alabama, but has called Nashville home since 2013. When she’s not working as an associate editor at She Reads Truth, you can find her enjoying good food and good conversation with her friends and family. She is a lover of cozy sweaters, ugly dogs, and the Oxford comma.

Post Comments (397)

397 thoughts on "Trust When It’s All on the Line"

  1. Kim says:

    Everything you said resonates in my heart and your prayer is that what we need to pray.
    It doesn’t mean that we are going to have a favorable outcome for him, and you, but you are looking to the eternal truth and outcome. Bad things or unfortunate events can either turn us toward God or blame Him. It’s hurting you to see your boyfriend turn away in anger. God can still use this. Hang on and keep praying.

  2. Alanna Gaskin says:

    In my valley and in my mountain, He remains the same. There is no shame in my worship for God.

    1. Anna Williamson says:

      ❤️ I always say…Valles and mountains…we’re go

  3. Stephanie Dunn says:

    Amen!! Our strength comes from Him. In the good and the bad, He should be our focus!! Even if not, He is still good!

  4. Terijah Sharp says:

    This spoke volumes to me,in the season that I am in…God is still good,even when the situation doesn’t look good!

  5. Melle Brown says:

    Know that you will not look like the fiery furnace you have been through! God is good!

  6. Alexandra Smith says:

    I moved half way across the country for a job last year and found out the day before my birthday in 4 days I’d be unemployed. I have to remind myself that “God is!” That’s it. Whatever I need, he will provide. I know he hears me and even in my sorrow I know he close is close “he is close to the broken-hearted,” (Psalm 34:18). God is. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

  7. Taline Torossian says:

    My boyfriend lost both his high paying jobs. He had to sell his car that he’s worked so hard for. He had to sell his house that he’s worked so hard for. Everything is being stripped away from him and it is incredibly difficult to watch and painful. He will be moving across the country back east while I stay in California until God reveals what will come next. And everything is uncertain, everything is unknown. This message gives me some comfort, if only he and I had the confidence in God like those 3 men. We are overwhelmed and upset. And he has so much hatred in his heart towards God for all that is happening. Heavenly Father, give us that strong faith, strength, and confidence in You. Take away the negativity, and replace it with renewed hope and Your goodness.

    1. Kelsy Adhiambo says:

      Amen!!
      And losing all that after putting in so much effort into it must be tough. Praying with you as well❤️. And while it might not look like it, (it always doesn’t), in the long run, it will all work out for your good. He’ll pull you through this!

  8. Jordin Edwards says:

    That was good. I was in a situation today where I had to put all my trust in God

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