Introduction: How would you describe real FAITH? Having FAITH in the God of the Bible does not always mean
He will do everything we want Him to do. Rather, it means we TRUST His judgment – His will, because He is much WISER than we are. This does not mean this is passive FAITH. Some examples in Scripture reveal a contrast and comparison of biblical FAITH.

1. “Even If”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego!

“If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. 18But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up.” (Dan 3:17,18)

These three Hebrew boys Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, were not going to BOW or BEND down to king Nebuchadnezzar’s idols. Thank God, they did not BURN!

Did you notice that Jehovah God delivered them “FROM” the fiery Furnace? Or should it be said, “IN” the fiery Furnace!
Please notice that those boys had determined whether they were saved or not – from the fire, they were not going to violate their conscience while disobeying their God.

2. “Even If”
John the Baptist!

Jesus said there was not a greater prophet than John the Baptist.

“Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist.” (Matt 11:11)

While in prison for preaching and taking a stand against Herod, John questions the credibility of Jesus being the Messiah.

“For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife: for he had married her. 18For John had said unto Herod, It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother’s wife.” (Mark 6:17-18)

“2Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, 3And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” (Matt 11:2)

Why did John ask this question? He had witnessed that heavenly scene when he baptized Jesus in the Jordan River.
In fact, he introduced Jesus as the “Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world”! (John 1:29)

Did he second guess? Was his FAITH faltering while going through the crucible? Ultimately, John was not delivered from prison, but rather had his head severed from his body.

“And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; 22And when the daughter of the said Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and them that sat with him, the king said unto the damsel, Ask of me whatsoever thou wilt, and I will give it thee. 23And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. 24And she went forth, and said unto her mother, What shall I ask? And she said, The head of John the Baptist. 25And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist.” (Mark 6:21-25)

While God delivered the 3 Hebrew boys, He permitted Herod to have John’s head cut off.

“And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought: and he went and beheaded him in the prison, 28And brought his head in a charger, and gave it to the damsel: and the damsel gave it to her mother. 29And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.” (Mark 6:27-29)

Did this mean that John just did not have enough FAITH in God? NO. It meant GOD’S WILL was supreme! Over our conveniences, preferences, and expectations, our Lord has a plan for our lives. We can TRUST HIM. “EVEN IF”…..it doesn’t make sense.

Conclusion: Some people turn away from trusting and serving the Lord when things do not go their way. Others get angry and mad. Don’t forget. God had only 1 Son without sin. But He never has had a son without suffering. So instead of saying, “WHAT IF!” We should begin saying, “EVEN IF”!