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Turning Your “What If” Into “Even If” (Impact Hard Devotional: Day 31)

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Courageous Conviction

Turning Your “What If” Into “Even If”

“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If this be so, 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 3:16–18

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Two of the most powerful words in the universe are “What if.” Dreamers and visionaries employ the use of “what if” thinking to imagine unseen and unrealized possibilities that inspire greatness. Curious researchers often begin with a “what if” before setting off on a deep and glorious journey of discovery and unearthed treasures of understanding. Coaches, athletes, and bought-in sports fans can be driven to championship levels of dedication and maximum effort by the grandeur of a hearty “what if.” Yet, for many, “what if” is not a hot air balloon of promise and possibility, but an albatross of fear and anxiety, weighing them down, and keeping them stuck in mediocrity and compromise.

In the story of the three Hebrew boys found in Daniel 3, the words “what if” could have led them down a path of compromise, disloyalty and sin. The proposition was crystal clear- Bow down and worship an idol of the King, or be thrown into a deadly furnace. There is no wiggle room in this situation… no “third way,” “healthy compromise,” or “think this through” solution.

“What if I don’t bow down and worship the idol?” A. “You will be arrested and thrown into the fire.” (Let’s not lose our heads here fellas, we can bow down and still be strong Christians, right?)

Everyone else took the deal… except Shadrach, Meschach, and Abednego. The fear of “what if I die a painful death” was too great to overcome. So, what was their secret? How did these 3 boys demonstrate such remarkable courage and conviction?

The secret to courage is this- Turning your “what ifs” into “even ifs.” These 3 young men knew God was capable of saving them from the fire, but they had committed themselves, not to a “what if,” but to an “even if.” With courage, they spoke to the king and said, “Even if God does not save us… we will not bow down.” “Even if” thinking does not deal with possibility or uncertainty, but with truth and conviction. Even if the worst thing imaginable may happen… God is still good, God is still wise, God is still sovereign… and I belong to Him.

Have you reached a point in your experience with God, where you are able to turn your “what ifs” into “even ifs”? Even if… I lose my job, I can’t restore my marriage, the cancer comes back… I know God is with me.

Wrestle with the question, and don’t stop wrestling until you are ready for the fiery furnace.

Reflection: (Don’t skip this!)

What do I need to know?
How do I need to grow?
Where does this need to show up in my life?

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To Equip & Encourage

Turning Your “What If” Into “Even If” (Impact Hard Devotional: Day 31)

Turning Your “What If” Into “Even If”

IMPACT HARD | 75 Day Devotional for Men | © 2026

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