We Win Either Way!

Last weekend, Pastor Steve challenged us to have a “but, if not” faith no matter the circumstances we face.  Whether we look at the story of Stephen in Acts chapter 7 or if we read about Shadrack, Meshach, and Abednego from the book of Daniel, they all had a faith that realized that, even if they die, they win because God’s promises are forever.  They knew that they had a God who would never fail them.  They may be persecuted, stoned or thrown into a fiery furnace, but God’s promises to them would never fail them. 

When my dad was dying from prostrate and bone cancer a number of years ago, I asked him if he was praying for healing; after all, I had scores of people at Calvary and around the world praying for him to be healed.  My dad turned to me, with his deep brown eyes and with a smile on his face, and said, “Carol Ann, yes, I pray for healing, but you see I win either way!  If God chooses to heal me in this world, then I have more time with all of you, but if God calls me home, I will spend more time with Him.  I win either way, whether I live or whether I die.”  Wow!  In those 30 seconds, I realized the depth of my dad’s faith.  It was simple and direct; yet it was profound and full of depth. I win either way!  My dad had that “but if not” kind of faith that Pastor Steve was talking to us about this weekend. 

We, as Christians, win either way!  That thought empowers me.  So, if that’s the case, why do so many of us hold back from sharing our faith with friends and neighbors?  Why do we shy away from standing firm in our faith when we know that we win either way?  Why do we not speak up?  What do we fear?  Death?  In a world that tells us that faith doesn’t matter and what we believe is a fairy tale, we need to stand firm in the Word of God knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us.  His promises are as true today as they were for Stephen. 

Shane and Shane have a great song called Burn Us Up.  It tells the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel Chapter 3.  The first part of the song is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego talking to King Nebuchednezzar, and the second part is them talking to the God Almighty.  It’s a song about having a “but if not” faith. 

Whatever fiery furnace you are in or whatever stones are being hurled at you this week, remember that God walks with you.  And, as my dad so wisely said to me, we win either way!  Praise be to God!

In His Mighty Grip!

Pastor Carol