But if not.

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, answered and said to the king, O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter.

¹⁷ If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

¹⁸ But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.

    A bible story that many have heard. The three men faced with death for not kneeling to the king.

     I’ve read it many times and as amazing as the story is, it never moved me like it did this morning. Those three words sunk into my spirit and grabbed me. But if not. 

    Those three men stated without pause in todays language…”Yo King, check it out, gonna cut this short and not mince words. Throw us in the furnace if you want, I already know my God can save me.”  He’s talking a great game. Real Braveheart stuff there. They are convinced God can save them…no greater feeling. Knowing He is in control of all things. 

     A lot of times God has big plans for us, and we come across this mission and we have that faith that God will help us accomplish it. But we then try to plan it out so that we don’t lose out in this world. “Lord, I’m gonna start a ministry that helps others, just let me get my stuff together before I do it. Need to make sure if it doesn’t work out I have something to fall back on.” “Lord, I’m going to start a business that helps others, let me just make sure I take care of a few things first, so if it doesn’t work out I can still be safe.” Then life takes over and these things never happen.

    Boldness is contagious. When we are bold for Christ, enduring hardships for our faith, others are provoked to do the same (Philippians 1:14).

    That’s where…But if not comes in. Boldness. “Lord i’m tired of not making a difference. I am going to start a business to help others and spread your word. I’ll put all I have into it and I believe it will succeed…BUT IF NOT, I’m going to do it anyway because I won’t be silent any longer and I am here to make a difference.” 

    When we do this we are truly leaving it up to God and let me tell y’all, no one do something more spectacular in your life than God himself. 

     When these 3 men said…But if not, the result was better than just living. The king made a decree and Hod was lifted up.

     Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort.  -Daniel 3:29

     Be prudent, work hard, walk close to God, and when the door is open, be bold and believe you will win because of Him with the heart of…But if not.

With God’s Love

-E