Even If…

At church yesterday Danny talked about ‘even if…’

Shadrach Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to a huge idol and were threatened with execution by burning.  They said that their God could rescue them. Even if he didn’t they wouldn’t bow down to the idol..

The prophet Habakkuk prayed that even if the harvest was poor and things went badly, he would still rejoice in, and gain strength from, his God…

Our friend Liz is in hospital in London. She’s had a lot of pain and discomfort in her jaw for many years, suffering with Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) – a great name but a horrid condition…

On Saturday she had surgery. She’s hoping to return from hospital early this week. Healing and full recovery will take some time. Even if talking and eating are restricted now (and for Liz that’s some sacrifice!!) it will be worth it when Liz is well.

Each day last week there was news of Nicola Bulley… well actually no news. Nicola disappeared whilst walking her dog near her home in Lancashire. Following extensive searches the police believe that she fell into the river Wyre and drowned.

Nicola’s family maintain that there’s no evidence to support this claim. Even if this is the ‘main working hypothesis’ for the police, the family are holding onto the hope that Nicola is still alive.

My good friend Steve was in a very dark place, considering and planning to take his life:

‘I was in the middle of the darkest valley and I did fear evil… God was gracious to me then and prevented my worst fears from being realised. He restored my soul. He led me through quiet waters. He has renewed my strength. He has guided me along right paths.’

Whatever the future holds… Even if the road is rough and the days are dark… Steve will trust his God.

Even if… carries me through darkness, trouble, fear and anxiety… providing me with determination, strength, patience and hope…