A short preface: Erik and I are studying the book of Daniel together this summer. It's awesomely awesome. We have just finished up Chapter 3, with the famous story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. I love reading things in the Bible that I think I already know. There was SO much to this passage that I had never realized before. Right before the king throws them into the furnace, these three men make an amazing statement. "If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and He will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if He does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up." (Daniel 3:17,18)
About three weeks ago, Erik received an email announcing that on June 15th his company is going to layoff close to one third of the work force. How's that for a fiery furnace? I love the way God speaks through His Word. The God we serve is able to rescue us, but even if He does not, we won't serve false gods or worship other things. God can rescue us from unemployment. That is not the question. The questions are how will we live our lives as we wait and how will we respond if He does not. Will we serve the gods of this culture - worry, anger and fear? Or will we trust fully in our Almighty God? These men had confidence that their God would rescue them from the flames. Our confidence is also sure. We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. (Romans 8:28) We would rather be obedient and in the center of His plan for our lives than disobedient and making our own way in the world.
Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. I stole that one. :-) But it's true. How can we glorify God as we wait? Trust Him. Love like Jesus loves. Serve others. It's the same stuff we do when we aren't in hard circumstances! Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, through prayer, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil 4:6,7) I love these verses. Of course we are asking for this cup to pass, if it be God's will. Our Savior didn't desire to suffer the Cross, and He prayed in this way. (Matthew 26:39, 42) But Jesus chose to follow the Father's plan for His life all the way, giving up His life and opening the path to reconciliation with God for us. What a beautiful example! We do not know God's complete plan for our family, but we rejoice in this opportunity to grow in our faith and glorify our Lord Jesus Christ.
"I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation (it's Jesus!), whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." (Phil 4:12,13)
We believe this! It doesn't matter where God puts us. We will be content. And we will seek to glorify Him.
