There are so many people in the Bible that take on what I call the “Even If” mentality.  And it is those people that I want to model my life after.  But there is one story in particular that really seems to sum it all up and it is the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel Chapter 3.

These three young men took a stand against King Nebuchadnezzar who had recently decided to build an image of gold that he commanded everyone to worship.  Just to put things in perspective a bit, that image was said to be 90 feet wide and 90 feet tall of gold (that is roughly a 9 story building).  I would imagine this would be quite the impressive sight to see.  It also says in Daniel 3 that when the music would play, everyone in the land would bow down to worship this idol – except these three young men.

As we jump ahead, King Nebuchadnezzar confronts them and it is their reply that we should focus on:

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.17 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.18 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.” (Daniel 3:16-18 NIV)

Here they are, looking into this blazing furnace, standing firm in their faith.

They truly understood that this was not their story, but rather, His story.  Even if God does not deliver us – we will not bow down.  Even if God does not come through like we think He should – He is still God Almighty.  They acknowledged that God was powerful enough to deliver them, but also Sovereign to the point, that even if they were not delivered, it would serve a bigger purpose for God’s ultimate plan.

We know the end of that story – God does deliver them (without even a smell of smoke on them) and a new decree from Nebuchadnezzar is issued to serve the God of these 3 men.

Their faith changed a nation.  Their submission to ultimate story of God allowed for a miracle to occur.

The “Even If” mentality is not easy.  We are told to pray constantly and believe.  We are told that whatever we ask of our Father in Heaven we will receive.  But…even if He does not provide the answer the way we desire, He is still Alpha and Omega and He promises to make ALL things good.

Stop and think about that for a moment.  If what you are standing for does not occur in your timing, are you going to throw it all away because of it…or will you surrender to the fact that God’s timing is perfect?  His story for you works out so much better then any story you can create on your own.

Even if God does not deliver me from _________(you fill in the blank for your life), I know that He reigns and that just as it says in Jeremiah 29:11, He has a plan for me:

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Question: How do you walk out the “Even If” mentality?