There are some songs that stay with us—not because they were tied to a moment, but because they put words to a posture of faith we keep coming back to. Even If by MercyMe is one of those songs for me. At its core, it gives voice to a tension we all know well: trusting that God is able… while also learning to remain faithful when He doesn’t act in the way we hope He will.
What I love most about Even If is that it’s not a new idea. It’s rooted deeply in Scripture, echoing the faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3, and resonating with the settled trust behind the hymn It Is Well with My Soul. In this episode, we’ll return to that familiar story—not just to admire their courage, but to understand how even if faith is formed and lived out. And before I share a Friday With Friends conversation with songwriter Tim Timmons, I want to take us back to where this kind of faith began—and invite you to consider what it might look like in your own story today.
Key Points
- “Even If” by MercyMe gives voice to a deeply biblical kind of faith—a faith that remains even when God doesn’t intervene the way we hope He will.
- The song is rooted in Daniel 3, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declare that God can save them…but even if He doesn’t, they will not bow.
- The modern testimony behind the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul” echoes the same posture—sorrow acknowledged, trust unshaken.
- This phrase even if names something many believers live daily: trusting God when the outcome is uncertain, painful, or opposite of what we prayed for.
- The enemy still whispers the same lie King Nebuchadnezzar did: “What god could save you now?” Recognizing that lie and responding with truth shapes our spiritual resilience.
Scriptures Referenced
- Daniel 1–3 – Context of the exile, rise of Daniel and his friends, and the furnace account
- Daniel 3:16–18 – “The God we serve is able…but even if…”
- Daniel 2:49 – Their roles in Babylon
- Daniel 1:17–20 – God-given wisdom and favor
- Supporting historical reference from the story behind “It Is Well with My Soul”
BITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)
- Consult a summary or introduction before diving into a book you’re less familiar with (e.g., study Bible intros, Blue Letter Bible, BibleProject).
- Read in context – Start in Daniel 1 and read through Daniel 3 to see the full arc of faithfulness.
- Consider historical context – Culture, timeline, exile setting, and long-term leadership roles.
- Ask reflection questions – “Where is my even if? Where am I tempted to bow to cultural pressure?”
He is able. He will rescue us. But even if He doesn’t…”
Enjoy the official music video below.
More Than a Song Playlist
Additional Resources
- Download the free Episode Guide
- Lyrics – New Release Today
- Blue Letter Bible ESV Introduction to the Book of Daniel
- Bible Project Introduction to the Book of Daniel – BibleProject.com
- Bible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study – videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study – Learn More
- Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources – Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
This Week’s Challenge
Read Daniel 3 in context — meaning start in chapter 1 and read all the way through chapter 3. Consider the historical context of this story. Perhaps even research the historical details further. Ask yourself how you would respond in this situation. Decide today that you will remain faithful even if God doesn’t choose to rescue you in the manner you desire.
