What if God Doesn’t Come to the Rescue? - Martin Wiles

But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up. Daniel 3:18 NLT

When He comes through, I trust Him more, but when He doesn’t…

I’m no stranger to financial struggles. Over the course of my lifetime, I’ve struggled more than I’ve relaxed. I hoped by my retirement age I’d have everything paid for so I wouldn’t have to worry anymore. Now that my retirement age is only a few years away, I’ve been disappointed again.

As my wife’s health continues to deteriorate and we conclude she’ll never be able to hold down a job again, we constantly look for ways to supplement our one income—which isn’t enough to pay our monthly bills. The ways God continues to answer our prayers for help amazes us, but one prayer He seems to ignore. The one I pray that our income will be enough to meet our monthly obligations.

I’ve prayed the prayer for years. No answer. Or perhaps He did answer and I just missed the delivery because I didn’t want to hear what He had to say. That He wasn’t going to answer the prayer the way I desired. That He wanted the shortfall to remain for good reason.

Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego found themselves in a similar situation. What were they going to do if God didn’t …? The king of the foreign land they’d been deported to made a large statue—perhaps of himself—and commanded everyone to worship it. Failure to do so meant the fiery furnace, and death. They refused, then made the remarkable statement: “Even if he doesn’t … we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

It takes a while, but I’ve learned God’s deliverance doesn’t always look as I might imagine or want it too. He saved the three Hebrews, but many believers have died or been persecuted in similar threatening situations. Sometimes, God delivers through life—and sometimes through death. He might give me enough monthly income to pay the bills … or He might choose to get them paid another way. He might heal the relationship … or end it. He might cure the disease … or let it take me to my eternal home. 

When we adopt the correct perspective, trials will grow our faith, promote a healthier prayer life, and develop our trust in God—regardless of whether He does or doesn’t.

Make up your mind to trust God, even if He doesn’t.

Prayer: Father, build our faith so that we will trust You even when You don’t come through in the way we desire.

Tweetable: What will you do if God doesn't come through for you?

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