Even If ...

In times of extreme adversity, we each have to decide: Will I keep trusting God … or will I give up? And, let's be clear, it's one of the toughest decisions we'll ever face. Author, John White, writes of putting his family on a flight in a snowstorm. Though he'd had a strong premonition that they'd be killed in a plane crash, he didn't discuss it with his wife. After they took off, he felt fear, shame, guilt and nausea. Shaking, he decided to pray. But God replied, "What's the matter? Can't you trust me?" "Yes, I'll trust you if you give them back to me." "And if I don't give them back, will you stop trusting me? Can't you trust them to me in death as well as life?" In faith White replied, "I'll do your will whatever it costs me or them. I will trust you." Their plane did indeed crash, killing all on board. But his wife had also had a strong premonition, disembarking at the stop before the tragedy. Had it not worked out, he said, "I would have grieved. But I wouldn't have regretted my decision to trust in Christ fully." In the same vein, back in the Old testament, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego said this to King Nebuchadnezzar: Daniel 3:17-18 If you throw us into the hot furnace, the God we serve can save us. And if he wants to, he can save us from your power. But even if God does not save us, we want you to know, King, that we refuse to serve your gods. We will not worship the gold idol you have set up." Friend, in your darkest hour, trust God … even if the outcome hangs in the balance; even if the worst happens. Trust God. That's His Word. Fresh … for you … today.