“If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
October 6, 2021
It is one thing to have faith to escape. It’s another thing to have faith to endure. It’s one thing to be sick and have faith to be healed. It’s another thing to be sick and not be healed but still praise God. That takes greater faith. It’s one thing to be delivered. It’s another thing to die by faith. There better be an “if not” clause in your contract with God. Our God is able to deliver us, but if He doesn’t deliver us, it’s not because He can't. You read in the New Testament where James was put in prison and Herod cut off his head (See Acts 12:1-4.). Then Peter was put in prison and God delivered Peter out of prison. Therefore, God could have delivered James, but He didn’t. Why? Well, you can ask Him when you get to Heaven. God is a sovereign God. He knows what is best, and He may not always deliver you from your trials, tribulations, and temptations. But if He doesn’t, what are you to do? Just stand. Just stand by faith.
Take time this week to read Hebrews 11, reflecting on how some of those who stood by faith were delivered and others were not. Nonetheless, all glorified God.
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”