It is one thing to know that God is able and another to know if He is willing. I say this after reading about the three Hebrews boys in Daniel 3. After defying Nebuchadnezzar's order to worship the image he set up, Nebuchadnezzar confronted them with the threat of throwing them into a burning furnace.
However, these boys inherited stories told and remembered about their God, Yahweh. In exile, they probably rehearsed what was told about His presence in the bush, the making known of His name, and the eventual deliverance of His people with many signs and wonders. Then came the covenant and the wilderness, the rebellion and the exile, but their God hadn't changed one bit.
With that kind of history with God, why would they be concerned with a narcissistic king and a fiery furnace? Their God had overcome political powers and elements before. So He was more than able to do it again, but was He willing? In response to the threat thrown in their direction, they stood and said,” If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.” (Daniel 3:17-18) They had faith in two ways: Faith in God's power (His ability to deliver) and faith in God's freedom to choose, for them, deliverance or death.
Contentment with the second way is the test for all of us. Jackie Hill Perry states, “ We know He can heal, but if He doesn't, will you still worship? We know He can bless in a diversity of ways, but when He picks the blessing that hurts instead, will you still love Him?”
We see a perfect example of this with Jesus. Jesus also trusted the Father in two ways.
Although He knew that with one call to heaven God could take the cup away, He said what we'd do well to repeat: "Nevertheless, not my will, but Yours, be done" (Luke 22:42)
I say all of this with a deep longing to have a family member physically healed. We all have situations like that, don't we? That the only way is for God himself to intervene. So in light of this, my encouragement to you today is to be like the Hebrew boys and not just know that God is able (because He is), but to also know that He is sovereign over the yes or no.
Prayer Tip: Pray to have faith in God's Plan
Prayer Points:
Lord, help me to be honest in my desires with You but also help me to be ok with what You have for my life.
I ask that not my will, but Your will is done Lord.
Thank You that You are a God who is able to do the impossible.
Lord, I thank You for your sovereignty over my life and that You truly are in control.
Lord,
I love You. Thank You for allowing me to know You and Your heart. Jesus, I ask that You
would do a mighty work in my life as I continue to seek You. I have desires for how I want my life to pan out Lord, but I truly want Your will done in my life instead of my own. Help me to be content in every circumstance in light of what You’ve done for me and will continue to do. Help me to have my eyes on You and Your ways.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Your Friend,
Emma Staubs
Comments