Even If…
I find it easy to write about the good things in life. After all, I pray that God uses the words I type on the page to encourage you in your walk with the Lord. But another part of writing is being vulnerable, sometimes even being extremely raw. Through this, I hope to shift the attention off of myself and shine the light of Christ. So, friend, here it is…
The other night, I cried as I fell asleep. I wanted my circumstances to be different. Finally, I couldn’t hold it in anymore, and I let out a huge gasp and wept, “Father, I cry out to You for You to heal my body and make me walk.” Once I uttered those words, I immediately shrunk back as though I was about to be reprimanded for asking for something like this.
We live in a culture where we are taught that so much of our identity is placed in our circumstances. Early in my walk with Jesus, others told me that if I prayed for healing, I would go against the way God made me to be. While I know that God creates people with different abilities and gifts, I can confidently tell you those things were not made to hold our identities for the rest of time. We can both be grateful for God’s sovereignty in our current situation because they make us more like Jesus while praying for greater things to come.
In Daniel 3, King Nebuchadnezzar had a giant image of gold constructed for people to worship. People were told that if they heard the sound of music, they were to bow down and worship it. Some astrologers told the king that some men would not worship the idol. When King Nebuchadnezzar heard Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow down, he was filled with rage and ordered them to come before him. They said they would not worship the idol. He reminded them that they would be thrown into the furnace. In Daniel 3:17-18 NIV, they replied, “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.”
King Nebuchadnezzar grew even more furious and ordered the furnace to be turned up seven times hotter than usual. He commanded the guards to tie the three men up before throwing them in. The flames were so hot that the soldiers who threw the men in died as they were following orders. Then King Nebuchadnezzar jumped to his feet because he saw four men walking around in the flames. When he ordered the furnace door to be opened, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out without harm to their bodies, singes on their clothes, or even the smell of fire on them. King Nebuchadnezzar praised God and ordered people not to say anything against God.
I pray for faith like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They knew God had the authority to change the situation, but even if He didn’t, they would always worship the one true God. I know God has the power to heal me at any moment. I wait in earnest expectation for the day I take my first step. Even if it doesn’t happen on this side of Glory, I will never stop worshipping Him because He is who He says He is. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, and the rest of eternity!
Dear friend, I pray that no matter what situation you find yourself in, you know God is with you even if it does not look like the way you envisioned it. With Jesus by your side, the flames may be around you, but take heart, He will not allow them to consume you. May you spread the sweet aroma of peace given through the Holy Spirit, so those around you see and know God!
