I remember hearing about some celebrity who bargains with God that if a certain family member is healed of cancer, this bigwig would become a follower of Jesus. Death rudely enters the picture with this VIP ushering God to the exit. The Almighty fails, so why follow such a cosmic loser?

It’s never a good idea to bargain with God. I’d much rather trust Him and follow in His footsteps, for He holds all the cards and does so with the greatest wisdom and love. How that all works out is up to Him. It’s best to go about your life knowing that He’s doing what He does best, whether I can figure it out…or not.

Be like Old Testament Daniel’s three friends. They take a stand not to bow down and worship some giant golden statue that probably resembles the face of the ungodly Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar. Drop to your knees and worship me, the high mucky-muck spews and threatens. But these Jewish exiles know that the Law of Moses prohibits any idol worship, in any form, at any time, for any reason, which could put them face-first into a fiery furnace if God decides not to spare them.

Hear what they say to this over-bloviating king–‘…our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up’ (Dan. 3: 17-18). These are some of the most heroic words ever spoken. ‘But if not…’

Don’t you want to be like Daniel’s three friends? Standing your ground for the Lord? Not trying to make deals with God? Letting God be God? Trusting Him despite being out on a limb seemingly without a prayer? Believing in the Lord, even if my hopes and wishes crumble and get tossed to the ground, becoming like Humpty-Dumpty? Even then?

‘But if not…’ That’s my prayer that nothing and no one can shake me loose from believing in Jesus, that His way is always best, no matter what. Do I hear an ‘Amen’? ‘But if not…’

Lord Jesus, toughen me to stand tall with you no matter what. For your sake. Amen.