“For better or worse… for richer or for poorer… in sickness and in health.” Countless couples have spoken these words as a part of their wedding vows. And I’d be willing to bet that few if any people have made those vows with “worse, poorer, and sickness” in the forefront of their mind. Every couple stands at the altar with dreams of “better, riches, and health.” And that’s a good and beautiful thing!
But in a similar way when we choose to follow and obey God, we often think the other side will include riches, health and better. We wouldn’t readily admit it but it’s a contract faith. I put in and I’ll get out. I do what’s right and good things will follow. And then life happens. When worse, poorer, and sickness hits, we tuck tail and bail. Why? We would say that we trusted God. And we feel like our trust has been broken.
In the book of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego certainly exhibit a ‘for better or worse’ faith. They had an “even if” faith that would stand strong “even if” they weren’t delivered. And that can certainly teach us much about not just trusting God, but maturing into a place where we are trustworthy. Join us as we dig into Daniel 3 and let’s grow together!