Do you ever wonder where faith leaves off and doubt enters in? The book of Daniel tells the story of three friends, Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael. These young men were whisked away from their families, home land, and everything they knew around 600 B.C. by the invading Babylonians. Taken back to Babylon, they were then trained to forget that they were Jews and to live like they were Babylonians. But it didn't work. The three boys; along with Daniel, held fast to their upbringing, their identity, and most importantly, to their God.
In chapter three of the book, Daniel's friends face the trial of a lifetime. An idol has been erected and the king demands that it be worshipped. The boys refuse, but the gracious king offers them one last chance - bow before the idol and walk away unharmed, or refuse and be immediately thrown into a furnace. Here is where the boys' courage and faith are ultimately tested. "If this be so," they reply to the king, "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). Now, is the "But, if not" a sign of faith or a sign of doubt? Do they doubt that God will save them and therefore demonstrate their fear and lack of faith by creating an "out" clause? I don't think so.
In my notes next to my Bible I keep a half-sheet of paper folded and tucked away. I pull it out occasionally to read and consider. It is an overview of how George Mueller (the founder of multiple orphanages in England in the 19th century and the great man of prayer) sought the will of God. Here's a quick summary:
These Actions Helped Direct Him: 1) He sincerely sought God's direction. 2) He waited patiently on God until he felt he had direction.
3) He looked to the Holy Spirit to teach him through the Scriptures.
3) He looked to the Holy Spirit to teach him through the Scriptures.
These Actions Led to His Making Mistakes: 1) Lacking honesty of heart. 2) Lacking uprightness before God. 3) Impatience to wait for God. 4) Preferring the counsel of men over the declarations of Scripture.
Here's How He Summed Things Up: I get my heart, as best I can, to where it has no will of its own on a given matter. Nine-tenths of the trouble with people generally is just here. Nine-tenths of the difficulties go away when our hearts are ready to do what God desires. Thus, (1) through prayer to God, (2) the study of his word, and (3) reflection, I come to a deliberate judgment according to the best of my ability and knowledge, and if my mind is thus at peace, and continues to be so after two or three more petitions to God, I proceed accordingly and with confidence.
Daniel's friends knew, as George Mueller knew, and as we must learn to know, that God answers prayer. He is a great deliverer. Daniel's friends essentially said, "We trust God, we know what he can do, but he doesn't have to do it in order for us to submit ourselves to him." In other words, it is not a demonstration of a lack of faith for the boys to acknowledge that God may have different plans for them than they have for themselves.
None of us know God's will exhaustively. Our goal is to trust him completely, yet without complete understanding. This is why Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is a good model. "Not my will, but your will be done." Through prayer, a knowledge of God mined from his word, and biblical reflection, we make the best decisions we know how to make. We ask boldly, but we always leave room for God to work differently than we ask. It is no sign of weak faith to pray, "Lord, I ask for this! Not my will, however, but yours be done." It is a biblical prayer.
For believers, knowing God's will is high on most wish lists. Transformation and trust are the keys to that knowledge. Romans 12:1-3 reminds us that a renewed mind leads to understanding and confidence. Jesus had that. Daniel and his friends had that. So did George Mueller. It did not lead to exhaustive knowledge, but it did lead to great assurance in God.
Let God renew your mind, friends, then trust him to do what is best in response to your prayers.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Jym