God Will Deliver, but What if He Doesn't?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy position of faith, balancing our trust in God's deliverance with the reality that sometimes He doesn't deliver us from harm.
Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in God, even in the face of potential suffering or unanswered prayers. He draws parallels to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who refused to bow to the king, declaring their belief that God would deliver them, but also affirming their commitment to Him even if He did not. This duality of faith--trusting in God's power while accepting His sovereignty--is crucial for believers. Idleman encourages a militant faith that stands firm against cultural pressures and false gods, reminding us that God is present with us in our trials. Ultimately, he calls for a commitment to serve the Lord wholeheartedly, regardless of circumstances.
Full Transcript
They said you have to bow to the king. They said we're not going to bow to the king. They said okay we're going to execute you.
And they said we will not bow to you because our God will deliver us. We will not bow to you, our God will deliver us. You have to have that type of faith.
But here's what else you have to have, this side. You know what else they said? But even if He doesn't, we will not bow to you. Isn't that, it's hard to find that balance.
Because we can be on the oh my God will deliver me, my God will set me free, my God will take this cancer away and Jesus ain't. What about if He doesn't? He's still God. God you'll raise my child up, you'll heal them from being sick.
I know they have leukemia, I know, I know but God, your book says. But what about if He doesn't? See that's that's a healthy position. I will not bow to you, politically correct culture.
My God will deliver me but even if He doesn't I will not bow. You have to get to that mindset. You can't be on one side of just fear factor, oh they're going to take it, they're going to kill me, they're going to do this.
And you can't be this acting as if God's going to keep us from all type of harm. If you think that just grab Fox's book of martyrs. Do you know that 11 of the 12 disciples died gruesome deaths? Isaiah who prophesied, Isaiah who spoke like I'm speaking to the people calling their repentance, it was said that King Manasseh saw him in hung upside down, beheaded.
It's a militant type of faith that loves God and loves people enough to stick to the truth. But it was very interesting because the king threw them in going to destroy them and nothing happened. And the king freaked out.
He said what what is that there's another man in the fire. There's another man in the fire and his likeness is the Son of God. How he knew what the likeness of the Son of God would be who knows.
But he said there's another man in the fire. But see, that's a wonderful principle. Even in the fire, even in the fire, God says I will be with you when the water overcomes you.
I will be with you when the storms come against you. I will be with you when the whole culture when the whole culture is against you. I will be with you even if nobody seems to be listening.
Even if everything seems to be going to hell in a handbasket. Hold on, son, hold on daughter, because I am with you. I am there to hold you with my right hand.
No king shall conquer me. No devil shall overcome me. I am the Lord thy God and you serve me with all your heart, with all your strength, and I will see you through.
That might mean early grave or that might mean victory, but either way, oh king, oh culture, oh United States of America, I will not bow down to the false gods. I will not serve the wrong gods. I am serving as for me and my house.
We will serve the Lord our God.
Sermon Outline
- The Balance of Faith
- Having faith that God will deliver us
- Not bowing to the king or culture
- Maintaining a healthy position of faith
Key Quotes
“My God will deliver me but even if He doesn't I will not bow.” — Shane Idleman
“I will be with you when the water overcomes you. I will be with you when the storms come against you.” — Shane Idleman
“No king shall conquer me. No devil shall overcome me. I am the Lord thy God and you serve me with all your heart, with all your strength, and I will see you through.” — Shane Idleman
Application Points
- We must not compromise our faith by bowing to the king or culture, even if it means facing persecution or harm.
- We must trust in God's presence and character, even in difficult times, and hold onto His promises.
- We must be willing to stand up for the truth, even if it means going against the majority or facing opposition.