but if not he is still good – Trading Paper Crowns

Reflection. It’s a beautiful thing. For by reflecting on events in life – one realizes the goodness of the Maker. Life can be heartbreaking. After all, it’s a journey in an imperfect world. A world that is empty, shallow and depressed without the goodness of Christ.

You can’t control the circumstances around you, the actions of others and especially the movements of the enemy. But, you can pray, praise and delight in the Father of Perfect Light particularly when things don’t go your way – because he is still good.

One phrase in particular in Daniel when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were about to step into the fiery furnace sends chills down my spine…

‘But if not.’

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire; 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.” – Daniel 3: 17, 18

You see – God does not promise that he will save us from the flames of life – of course he can; but, it does not work that way. He promises to dance with us in the forbidding inferno.

This Water Walker speaks peace to the uneasy seas, out-of-control brush fires and clouds filled with thunder and lightning. His voice is the honey that soothes our throats so sore from yelling at the waves.

He did not save the disciples from the rough seas, they still had to experience the wake and despair; but, Jesus was right there with them and eventually calmed the storm. He did not save the Israelites from walking in the wilderness; but he sent food their way – along with a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night.