"If this be so, 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.” -- Daniel 3:17-18

The events recorded in this chapter are quite helpful for our study. We often focus on the Lord's presence in the flames, or the amazing deliverance from the fire. But I would like to look at the incredible faith of these three servants of the Lord. Their faith was strong and vibrant, even in the face of death. They believed that God was able, but they were surrendered to the "if not" of God's sovereignty.

Is this the kind of faith that lives within your heart my friend? Or does your faith need to be reaffirmed with God's regular provision of your desires? Will you trust the Lord and reject all others in the event of "if not"? Are you fully surrendered to the sovereign will of God, no matter what? There was another prayer much later in the New Testament that shared the same commitment of faith... "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39) Do you trust Him even when "if not"?