Even If You Don't

Using Scripture to Limit Your Faith

---

Sometimes people incorrectly interpret or read the Bible when they want to use God to make a point. From politics to breakups, we use the Word to hide behind things we are afraid to own up to from our personal perspectives.

But what about when you use God's word to keep yourself from having faith in God?

A very beautiful soul in my life checked me on my faith. I was/am waiting on a breakthrough in my life. This blessing is sooo close, I could touch it. If it was a piece of paper, I would sign it at the bottom if it was within 6 feet of my grasp. But as soon as it came into my life, there was an instant opportunity of a renege (re-nig... if you're more phonetic than proper spelling). And all my praise, my happiness, my "THANK YA, JESUS!!!" it depleted.

I literally felt all my of joy leave my body.

As I was explaining the situation to her - the good, the OMG, the wel - she tells me to, "have faith." And couldn't find it in my spirit to agree with her.

I'm a Christian. This is simple ILOVEJESUS101.

"Have faith." "Pray for it." "Leave it at the alter."

She told me the good ol, "Be anxious about nothing, but in everything in by prayer and supplication." - Philippians 4:6.

This verse is not new to me. That was not the first time I heard it. If anything, I'm fairly certain I've used this scripture in my own posts. But I listened to her. I prayed with her as she prayed for me. And I responded with a rebuttal scripture.

"Sis.. even if He doesn't.. I will still praise."

This response of mind is derived from Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego before they were put into the inferno. King Nebuchadnezzar taunted them with their own faith. The men told the king that God "can" save them but "even if He doesn't" it would not change their dedication or their loyalty. Check out Daniel 3 for the full story.

And I literally say this all the time. One of my favorite songs is "Even If" by MercyME. It honestly became a theme song for me. And it felt/feels justified in faith. What's wrong with not expecting God to come through for me? After all, I'm not in this walk to receive, right? But to give. Give to God. Give to people. Do what I can to do what I am purposed to do.

But y'all....

After years of saying this... Believing it.... All'at! I've realized it's a spiritual cop out.

Aye... I want this thing.. This thing that I need to live. To supply for my family. To keep me sane. To make me happy. I need this. I want this. I serve a God who has the power to do this. But, hey... "Even if He doesn't.." That's cool.

That's not cool!!!

It's not okay. All these scriptures about what God can do. What He has done. What He has promised to do. And I tied my entire relationship with Christ based on what I'm okay with Him not doing. And I tell people this!!!

My only job as a Believer is to create more Believers... How the heck do I get people to believe in a God, Who I limit my own belief in?!?

Remember that saying... "God is good, all the time."

This type of mentality means "God is as good as I expect Him to be." And I'm basing my faith in God - the Almighty, the King of kings, the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit - based on my experience with people!

PEOPLE!!

What sense does that even make....? The foundation for which I ground my faith is based on all the imperfect people who have let me down. Let's look at this type of spirituality with Bible logic...

"Give, and it shall be given unto you." - Luke 6:38

So if I'm basing my expectation in God on my experience (my WORST experiences) with people, then I'm also expecting God to treat me at the same level as someone who has no relationship with Him.

Wow.

The level of trust I have in God should be equitable to none. Who has done for me.. for YOU... what God has done? So how do we settle for works in comparison to people who have no direct investment to my win or my loss?

Does this mean Shadrach, Meshack, and Abednego were wrong to say this to King Nebuchadnezzar? Nope.

Context is everything.

This man was literally threatening their lives for not worshiping him. Their response was based on knowing they served a God who could save them, but "even if He doesn't" the result of dying for what they stood for was better than what they would face if they fell to their knees for the wrong cause.

That is not what I was facing when I quoted this scripture.

When was the last (or the first) time someone told you, "worship me or else?"

This definitely was not my situation.

I was laying in bed thinking about my response... Using this scripture as a biblical excuse for not having faith. I was gut-checked.

I don't know how the Holy Spirit talks to y'all. But when It talks to me, its like a thump in the forehead. A spiritual "aht... aht"!!!!

"Soooo... You really telling folks 'even if He don't' after all He's done?"

The God who parted the Red Sea.... The Savior Who died on the cross.... The God who blessed you with a child that the doctors told you wouldn't make it...

THAT GOD....?!

"With all the testimonies you've been blessed to experience, and you're telling people 'even if He don't', Cherita?"

What has He truly not done for you? This, your shattered faith, is the representation you choose to give people when you get a little let down?

It's not just me...

Even if you don't quote Daniel 3. Are you okay with the thought of God letting you down?

Why?

Is it God, or is it you? Is it God, or is it people? Is it God, or is it easy?

It's easy to not have faith. Faith requires you to abandon being "used to" being let down. It's easy to expect disappointment. It's easy to assume nothing is going to work out your way.

In your favor, with His favor.

This post may not properly reflect your usage of scripture. I'm willing to bet it does reflect the disposition of your heart. Your faith. Your ability to look beyond what people have done to you in exchange for the hope in what God has for you.