They understood that obedience is obedience regardless of the outcome.
Because God is GOD regardless of the outcome.
I think it would have been easier for Paul to give up in that ditch.
It would have been easier for Jesus to accept the kingship of Israel and rule for that time and era, rather than die on the cross.
It would have been EASIER for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to bow down.
It would have been easier for Peter to stay in that boat during the storm.
But they ALL knew something we don’t.
They ALL knew that that ditch didn’t define them. That grave didn’t define them. That king didn’t get to define them. That prison cell didn’t define them. That label, that identity, that addiction, that fear, that doubt, that ANGER--it didn’t define them!
THE GOSPEL DEFINES US.
Faith is not manipulation of God...it’s not twisting His arm to do what you want.
God isn’t raising spoiled little church mice up..
God is raising up WARRIORS. Obedient to their commanding officer even unto DEATH.
THAT is the example we follow.
THAT is the Jesus we serve.
He is raising up you and me to be the only ones in the crowd to be DIFFERENT. obedient.
He is raising up you and me TO BE THROWN INTO THE FIRE….because when we are at our worst...He is at His best. When we are weak, THEN His is strong through us, His grace is sufficient for you today, believer. His power is made PERFECT in your weakness!!
God did not save them FROM that fire. God saved them IN that fire.
“Even if He doesn’t faith” is when...
Your belief isn’t selfish.
Your obedience isn’t conditional.
Your trial doesn’t produce “smoke”
And here was my big revelation this week----> if He’s in it WITH you--where else would you honestly rather be?!
WHERE ELSE WOULD YOU HONESTLY RATHER BE?!
IF JESUS IS IN THAT FIRE--I WANNA BE IN THAT FIRE. BECAUSE AM I REALLY EVEN MORE SAFE OUTSIDE OF IT? IF HE’S IN IT...
IF JESUS IS IN THE STORM--AM I REALLY MORE SAFE IN THE BOAT?!
IF JESUS IN THAT PRISON--AM I REALLY MORE FREE OUTSIDE OF IT?!
What if His plan is bigger than just saving you?
What if His plan is bigger than just saving you?