Even If

 

I’m sharing a few sermon notes from my husband, Bill, and my own thoughts from September 8^th.

We are in Daniel 6 with the ever-famous ‘Daniel in the lion’s den’ story told. Something I love about this story is that Daniel is an older man by this time.  He may be as old as 90.  He has walked a faithful obedient life his whole life.  This is evidence that Daniels decisions weren’t crisis-oriented but instead consistent with those already made when he was a boy.  Daniel doesn’t have to run to God in crisis because he has been walking with him all along his life’s journey.  He is already there.

The king loved and respected Daniel but the king had been tricked by jealous politicians and was forced to throw Daniel in the lion’s den because Daniel had been caught praying to his true God.  I love the last part of verse 16,  ^“So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den.  He sealed it with a stone and his own ring – (much like Jesus was when he was placed in the tomb). The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” The word continually is the key to a life well lived to Gods glory.  Daniel knew God could save him but he also knew even if he didn’t he would be better still… standing before his Jesus.

“The Next morning the king rushed to the lion’s den and when he came near, he called out in an anguished voice, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to rescue you from the lions? Daniel answered, May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions.  They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in His sight, nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”  –Verses 20-21

Character is forged and revealed in moments of adversity! Daniel was once again saved because God has his own time and plan for all of our lives.  It wasn’t up to those evil schemers to end Daniels life- his life was in God’s hands. I think it would be a mistake to stop here and say, “Whew, what I learned from this is that God will always spare my life and my family in times of danger if I pray.”  He might, but he might not… this is the point that separates the Christian living in the deep end from the ones living on the surface…a crisis.  Will we still be faithful even if it doesn’t turn out the way we pray?

The hardest question I have ever been faced with is even if?  Even if God doesn’t rescue me will I still love Him? Even if God doesn’t…. will I still follow Him?  Am I resolute and steadfast? Do I have to run to Him in crisis or am I already there beside Him walking?  I think when you come face to face with the crisis you must dig deep to answer that question.  If your walk is not crisis-oriented you will be able to be steadfast.  I think if we look at the lives of the countless martyrs from early Christianity, all through history and yes, even now, can we really come clean with our resolve as we count the cost.  Even if….

“Even if God kills me, I’ll still put my hope in him…”  –Job 13:15

This song from Mercy Me called ‘Even If’ broke me and caused me to search down into deep places.

They say sometimes you win some
Sometimes you lose some
And right now, right now I’m losing bad
I’ve stood on this stage night after night
Reminding the broken it’ll be alright
But right now, oh right now I just can’t

It’s easy to sing
When there’s nothing to bring me down
But what will I say
When I’m held to the flame
Like I am right now

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

They say it only takes a little faith
To move a mountain
Well good thing
A little faith is all I have, right now
But God, when You choose
To leave mountains unmovable
Oh give me the strength to be able to sing
It is well with my soul

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, and I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone

You’ve been faithful, You’ve been good
All of my days
Jesus, I will cling to You
Come what may
‘Cause I know You’re able
I know You can

I know You’re able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone
I know the sorrow, I know the hurt
Would all go away if You’d just say the word
But even if You don’t
My hope is You alone.

*Portions were taken from the notes of Bill Langley

Just Jesus,

Sheri Langley