EVEN IF
"16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 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. 18 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 3:16-18.
The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and the fiery furnace of King Nebuchadnezzar, is one that many of us have heard since childhood. These three men were faithful followers of God. They refused to compromise and bow before the golden image that King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had made. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego though captives in Babylon, stood in front of the most powerful man of his time and boldly proclaimed that under no circumstances would they worship the giant image of gold towering above them. Together they declared: “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 we will not worship the image.” (emphasis mine)
These three men were thrown into the fiery furnace; and God miraculously delivered them. They were prepared to die but their trust in God was unconditional—“even if” They knew it was possible that they would be killed for not obeying the king’s order, and yet they remained loyal to God. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were ready to serve God, regardless of the circumstances.
LIFE'S NOT A BOUQUET OF ROSES:
"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all." Psalm 34:19.
We all go through difficulties. None is exempted! Problems are impartial. In Matthew 5:45 Jesus said, "It rains on the just and the unjust too." Being a person of faith doesn’t exempt us from the trouble of life. Every problems have a dual nature! They can either draw us closer to God or they separate us from Him. When some believers are facing trials they give up their faith in God: They stop praying, attending church, giving to the things of God, and reading Bible. But it ought not to be so! The purpose of life itself is in solving problems. Some are even going through theirs now. It may be in your marriage, business, health, ministry, relationship, job, school, or finances.
Every problem has an expiry date. Problem are transient. The Bible calls it our "light affliction". 2 Corinthians 4:17. This light affliction is but for a moment, for a short time, and then it will be gone. It's also written, "weeping may endure for a night but joy come in the morning." Psalm 30:5. No storm lasts forever, the wind will stop blowing, the battle will end, the rain will stop and your sun will shine again! Don’t give up in your trials. The night will soon be over.
“And call on me in the day of trouble: I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” Psalm 50:15.
UNCONDITIONAL FAITH!
Sometimes when circumstances are difficult, it can be tough to keep the faith. But God desires that we trust in Him—even if our prayers are not answered. We must never let our trust in God become conditional because we don't see His goodness. Faith is trusting God even when it doesn't make sense. Abraham had to wait for twenty five years before he saw Isaac. Soon afterwards God tested his faith and asked him to sacrifice his son. Abraham obeyed. He showed that he had unconditional trust. When God saw it, He was excited to reward his obedience. When you have unconditional faith in God you can never be frustrated. Faith believes in God regardless of the circumstances.
What is Unconditional Faith?
1. A faith in God that is not subject to any condition.
2. It is to trust God without limitation or reservation.
3. Unconditional faith is total faith in God.
4. It is absolute trust.
5. Unconditional faith is a complete trust in the Lord.
6. Unconditional trust is believing God when we don’t understand or see what He’s doing.
7. Unconditional trust is blind faith in God and His promises.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego trusted God unconditionally. They were committed no matter the outcome. Even if God choose not to deliver them the way they desired, they were determined to stand firm and be faithful. That is the proper attitude we should all have. It is not a matter of whether things turn out as we hope, the issue is whether we will be true to God.
Unconditional faith is to love God. We trust Him because He love us unconditionally. Your trust requires you to believe in Him and follow Him wholeheartedly. There is no limit to what God can and will do if you fully believe in Him. Give Him your unconditional trust and faith today.
God has a plan, and He's busy working behind the scenes! "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." Romans 8:28-29. Faith believes that God always knows best. Faith believes that He is in control, and therefore we can rest easily.
HOW TO DEVELOP UNCONDITIONAL FAITH?
1. Know God.
What gave Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego the confidence to speak so boldly? They knew their God and they knew what He could do. Do you know God? Do you have a relationship with Him? Don't only seek the Hands of God for miracles, seek to please Him.
2. Know yourself.
Do you know who you are? You are a child of God. You are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb.
3. Love God unconditionally.
If you know who God is, His power, faithfulness and love, your faith in Him will grow.
4. Feed your faith daily.
The Word of God is alive. What we listen to affects what we believe. Go deeper in the Word.
5. Exercise your faith.
Every believer has been given a measure of faith by God. Romans 12:3. Hence, we must put our faith into action. Practice what you read. If the Bible says to do it, then do it.
6. Speak to your faith.
Speak light in the dark. Speak life in the valley of dry bones. Speak testimonies.
7. Free your faith from doubt and negativity. James 1:6
8. Share your faith with others
When your faith is strengthened strengthen others.
9. Endure trials.
10. Be obedient.
Obedience is submitting to what God requires of us.
11. Pray in tongues and be full of the Spirit (Jude 20).
12. Give thanks.
Give thanks for the results before you see. Don’t complain – that shows you doubt God’s love and God’s answer to your situation. Give thanks in all situations (1 Thessalonians 5:18).
13. Develop a life of praise and worship.
Praise drives the powers of darkness away and brings the throne of God into your circumstances. Praising God is an act of faith and helps your faith to grow. Your victory is guaranteed when you praise Him. You can praise God even in your problems. 2 Chronicles 20:21-25, Acts 16:23-30.
IN CONCLUSION:
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” Job 13:15a. These were words from a man determined to serve God despite his loses. Job was set on following and trusting God, with complete disregard of his circumstances. He lost everything, but Job's faith was unshaken and unconditional.
We cannot say we believe in God, yet our faith is in question during trials. Dare to trust Him. Not just when things are going you way, but even when you don't understand it. Is your faith in God conditional or unconditional? If God says no to your prayers and desires, will you still serve Him?
Even if God left Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace, He would still be God. Our God is able to heal and to deliver, but even if He doesn’t, will you still serve Him? If you are in the middle of difficulty today, look to God. The Bible says that He is the Author and Finisher of our faith. What you are facing is only temporary. Victory is on the way, and it’s closer than you think! Keep standing, keep praying, keep believing, keep praising, keep hoping, keep serving, and keep confessing the Word. Cease from worry and fear. Refuse to doubt. Have total faith in God. Trust Him unconditionally. God honoured the faith of the three Hebrews men. He delivered them from death; and His name was glorified. Your case is not hopeless. God cannot abandon His own.
Only He has the final say. "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you." Isaiah 43:2.
Have you renounced God? Has your love for God grown cold? If you are willing to repent and surrender your life to Jesus Christ, then pray this prayer right now: LORD Jesus, I come to You right now. I know I am a sinner, please forgive me my sins. With my mouth, I declare that Jesus, from today, I accept You as the LORD of my life. Change my heart from a disobedient heart to a heart that will obey You. With my new heart, I believe that it is because of me that You came into this world; You died for my sins, take away my problems, fill me with Your Holy Spirit, write my name in the Book of Life, and make me brand new in Jesus mighty name.
Prayer:
1. I confess that God is the all-powerful. He delivers those who trust in Him. Therefore, I will put my trust in Him no matter the trials, in Jesus name.
2. O God my Father, manifest Your power in my life, in Jesus name.
3. Thank God for answering your prayers.
