Do you have an even if kind of faith?

“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.” Daniel 3:17-18

Last night, I heard a song I haven’t heard in a while, and I immediately remembered a good friend of our family who struggled with chronic illness for years before passing away more than two years ago.  The song was played at his funeral, and I always think of him when I hear it.

During the hard days, he clung to the hope this song expresses, a hope in a God who is always able and always good…even when he doesn’t do what we hope he will.

Steven had an “Even If” Kind of Faith.

Do you?

I ask myself that question sometimes, wondering if I will still love God, trust Him and follow him, “even if” he doesn’t….

• answer my prayers the way I want
• do this miracle or that
• make a certain dream come true.

Every day, I see the kind of faith I need to have lived out in the life of Steven’s wife.  She trusts God moment by moment as she raises their four kids.  She believes in God’s goodness even though she grieves.

That kind of faith humbles me, but it challenges me, too.

Because that’s the kind of faith we’re called to have.

Think of all the heroes in the “Faith Hall of Fame” found in Hebrews 11.  About them, God’s word says, “All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised….” (Hebrews 11:13)

And still they followed.

So should we.

It’s not always easy.  My sweet friend will tell you that.  She’d also tell you that, though the road she’s walking is hard and long, she has never had to walk alone.

God is with her every step of the way.  She testifies to his goodness on a daily basis, bringing him glory and sharing his grace.

An “even if” kind of faith always does.

I’m still doing 31 Days of Free Printables and SVG Files (though not necessarily 31 CONSECUTIVE days!), and today’s file is a simple reminder of the kind of faith we need to have.  Just subscribe below to receive it, as well as the other files I’ve given away this month!

Don’t forget to participate in Encouraging Word Wednesday this week!  Just leave a link or two below then visit another blogger and encourage them today!