But Even If

I think it is really amazing that God has been teaching me so much about faith lately. I have always thought I was faithful but it is amazing how God is always changing you.

A lot of people we know have the swine flu. We currently do not get shots, flu shots or any other kind of shots. Therefore, we have been relying on God to keep us free and clear of all germs. Many would argue: "Well, God gives us wisdom." I do believe God gives us wisdom. For a long time that wisdom for me was to get shots and see the doctor on a regular basis. But now God's gift of wisdom has changed to trusting Him to protect and heal to bring glory to His name.

Now, don't think of me as a spiritual giant or a prideful person; if one of my children, or myself for that matter, lost an arm I would run to the hospital in a hurry. My faith is not quite there. When thinking through that scenerio I can't help but think of Jesus in the story of the possessed boy:

"Teacher, I brought you my son, who is possessed by a spirit that has robbed him of speech. Whenever it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, gnashes his teeth and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to drive out the spirit, but they could not."

"O unbelieving generation," Jesus replied, "how long shall I stay with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring the boy to me."So they brought him. When the spirit saw Jesus, it immediately threw the boy into a convulsion. He fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

Jesus asked the boy's father, "How long has he been like this?" "From childhood," he answered. "It has often thrown him into fire or water to kill him. But if you can do anything, take pity on us and help us."

"If you can'?" said Jesus. "Everything is possible for him who believes." Immediately the boy's father exclaimed, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!" -Mark 9:15-24

I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief. That is my prayer. Everyday, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief"

I have been very encouraged through my current studies in the book of Daniel. When I felt the calling of the Lord a few weeks back to be trusting more in Him and not myself, He laid this book on my heart very strongly. Time and time again I have read the story of Daniel's life but this time I have seen it with new eyes.

Right now, Daniel (my Daniel) has a fever. I would be quick to say it is the swine flu since so many people have been sick around him. But I refuse. Now, that doesn't mean that he doesn't have it but it means that I am trusting God to heal whatever sickness my Daniel may have according to God's description of what that sickness is.

We have a new baby. We have three other small children. I will rest in the Lord.

But what if God does not answer my prayer and Daniel gets sicker? Or worse, what if the kids get sick? Well, I am reminded of the account in Daniel of three young men who were chosen from the tribe of Judah who were made to be slaves and change their names to Shadrach, Meshack, and Abendengo. These men, when told to bow to a man made Idol made by the king, Nebuchadnezzar, they refused saying: "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty."

Oh but wait!

They continued... "BUT even if he doesn't, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up."

BUT wait! Even if God does not heal Daniel in the time we ask Him too, even if we all get sick like so many people we know this will still be true: The children will have prayed continually for their daddy, and we will have been faithfully depending on God. Words of prayers will have been spoken around our home and there will have been hope rather than distress.

I hunger to know what I would do with a sick family member if I were living in a remote country somewhere with limited resources, maybe no money at all to pay for a physician. Or worse, a starving country where I cannot even provide milk for my baby. I would have no one to depend on but the Lord. No government, maybe no friends, only God. They have no other choice. I long to depend on the Lord.

I know it doesn't seem like a big deal, it's just a fever. But it is so much more, my friends. I am happy to be resting in the joy of the Lord in all things big and small. What a joy it is to be being stretched and trained by God for His wonderful use.


.