But Even If He Does Not

Last fall I read through the book of Daniel. And while the whole book was an inspiring, challenging read, one chapter stood out to me….

almeidas

Last fall I read through the book of Daniel. And while the whole book was an inspiring, challenging read, one chapter stood out to me.

Chapter 3.

This is where Daniel’s three friends – Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego – refuse to worship King Nebuchadnezzar’s idol. (Yes, I copied and pasted all of those names. Ha! Could they be any more difficult?!) Basically the King makes a decree that anyone who doesn’t bow before the idol he had made to look exactly like him (HOLY EGO!) would be thrown into a furnace and burned alive. Someone tells the king that Daniel’s friends won’t bow before the idol, and he gets pissed. The Bible actually says he is “furious with rage” but you get the point. He summons Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and asks them what their problem is. Then he tells them if they don’t worship him, they’re going to be thrown in the furnace. And this is what they say to the king:

“King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter.  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.”

They did get thrown in the furnace, and came out completely unscathed. God delivered them just like they believed he would, but it’s that bolded phrase above that stands out in my mind… even more than the miracle.

These guys knew that God could save them if he chose to, but they also knew that even if he didn’t he’s still the only King who is worthy of worship.

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Today is brain tumor check-up day for me. Whoo hoo! I’ll be spending a lovely day at Mayo Clinic. Don’t be jealous! My prayer all along has been that God will heal me. That my doctor will be astounded. That I’ll live a long, healthy life. That I’ll get to watch my little boy grow up. That I’ll get to do life with my husband and laugh with my family.  That my entire life will be one of praise and a testimony of God’s goodness and grace. Those are my hopes. My prayers to a God who is able to do more than we could ever hope or imagine.

I know that my God can move mountains. He’s done it for me before.

But even if he does not I’ll still praise him.

And he is still good.

83 comments

  1. You’ve been on my mind and in my prayers all week. If there was ever a person strong enough to handle all of this it would be you! Good luck today and cannot wait for this weekend!!!

  2. I’ll be praying for you today that you have a good report. But like you said, Even if He chooses not to heal you, you can still praise Him. He is good ALL the time. He can and will use this for His glory.

  3. Praying for you today. You are such a strong and mighty woman and God is also strong and mighty. He will show up and show off! Love & Hugs!

  4. No truer testament of our love and faith in God than to trust his answer is best for us. Praying for you as you go through this day. I pray for a complete healing for you.

  5. Our God is a great God and there is victory in Him. Praying for you, your family and your doctors today! You have been a strong witness for Him through all of this and I’m sure he’s smiling down on you right now.

  6. Beloved Lyndsay:
    My prayer for you (I know some find a strange thing to write prayers, but the Bible is full of written prayers)
    “Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, and His merit alone, I pray right now for my Daughter Lynsday. I pray that as you have done so often you manifest your Glory, the same Glory you intended for Yourself alone when you created the world, and before the foundation of the world, designed and created all things for your Glory, that you may baffle and astonish the doctors for a tremendous demonstration of your power by touching Lyndsay and completely removing the tumor from here brain and any other related effect thereof. Let your Glory be shown in the life of your servant Lyndsay and that this may be a long-lasting spiritual experience and the certainty of your love and care for all Your children. I pray that you may also strengthen Anderson’s heart and that he, at this moment not always easy to endure, give him the necessary wisdom and faith to engage in this battle with his wife. Strengthen also all of us and teach us to understand your ways; give us a special measure of disposition to pray constantly for Lyndsay specifically for this matter and never grow weary as we join in her physical struggle.
    I pray all this trusting your Sovereign Will and your Wisdom and in the work that Jesus Christ accomplished for us in the Cross!
    Amen!

  7. Thank you so much! Part of my bible study’s homework this week was to find a verse, mediate it on it throughout the week and memorize it. My struggle, however, was finding one I didn’t already know (also part of the homework). I prayed at the beginning of the week for God to present a verse to me, and I would know it when I read it or heard it. And HERE IT IS. It even answers a question that I’ve been wrestling with in my own spiritual journey and it just couldn’t come at a better time. Prayers for you today at Mayo and for peace no matter the outcome. Regardless, Our God will be praised.

  8. Lyndsay,

    I’m continually amazed by you testimonies of faith. I had no idea you were going through this. I’m fighting back tears after reading your blog.
    It is an honor & privilege for me to be able to teach Kingston. I will be praying for you & your family!! We serve such an Awesome & loving God and to him be all the praise honor and glory! I love you & your sweet family!!

  9. Sweet friend I pray for peace for you and your family and I pray for wisdom for the doctors. I’m sorry but I’m at a loss, I had no idea… is this something new or old?

  10. Love this. very humbling.. and brought tears to my eyes.. Just what I needed to hear. (read!) Many prayers to you and your family! 🙂

  11. Great story, great inspiration. I was just talking with a friend the other day, and she asked what my favorite Bible story was. I chose the one you mention here! It’s such a powerful example of faith in God. I love your positive attitude in the midst of struggle. You’re awesome!

  12. I read this and it makes me tear up…you are such a beautiful person inside and out…Prayer for nothing but good things for you and your family…and that you be healed because I think the world would be a little less colorful without you in it..truely a loss.

  13. Wow. you may not see this since it looks to be older but I just couldn’t click away without commenting. Your faith is so beautiful. And real. I was turned on to your blog last year when lisa shared the one you wrote about eleven22 and during little man’s nap today, I was reading through some old ones. I don’t know your story but I can easily tell one thing, it’s a testimony of our great God. Thank you for this great reminder…..but even if he does not, I will still praise him.
    I also walked through a scary health journey and after four years of battling cancer I can say it was through that storm that he drew me closer than ever before.
    Anyway, I hope I don’t come across as a crazy IG stalker ? I’m pretty sure I’ve seen you on the same row as us at church (second row Sunday!). I’ll say hi next time 🙂

  14. Stacy, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story with me. Isn’t crazy how he draws us closer to him during those scary times? It’s not that he was any farther away, but I think we get distracted sometimes when life is just peachy! I’ll def be looking for you next Sunday!!! 🙂

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