Learning to Live in the "Even If"
By Ryan Dawson
Last week I spent five days in the Rocky Mountains with a few ministry brothers—men who have become dear companions in the journey. Each year we carve out this space to connect deeply, share honestly, listen for the Holy Spirit on one another’s behalf, speak life-giving words, pray, and simply enjoy being together in Christ. It has become a treasured rhythm of renewal for me.
One of the things I look forward to most is the quiet of the early mornings—those slow, unhurried moments alone with the Lord in silence and stillness. This year, during one of those moments, the Lord brought Psalm 40:1 (NLT) to my heart: “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”
Those words—“He turned to me”—leapt off the page.
In that quiet space I sensed the Lord whispering to my heart: “Ryan, I see you. I love you. I’m with you.”
He further encouraged me with Isaiah 30:15 (NLT): “This is what the Sovereign Lord… says: Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.”
What a beautiful reminder that “salvation”—the flourishing, abundant life God offers us in Christ—is found in returning and resting in Him. Strength doesn’t come from striving but from quietness before God and confidence in His goodness. This has been a hard lesson for me to learn.
This word from God was especially meaningful because, in many respects, this has been a challenging year. There have been situations I haven't understood and circumstances I wish I could change. Yet the Lord is gently teaching me to trust Him—not just when He delivers, but also when He doesn’t. Not only when the path is clear, but when it feels confusing or painful.
I’m reminded of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 as they stood before the king, refusing to bow to his statue. They trusted that God could deliver them from the fiery furnace—and yet they said, v. 17 “But even if he doesn’t… we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
That phrase—“even if”—has been working its way into my soul. I’m learning, however imperfectly, to live there. To trust God’s heart even when I can’t trace His hand. To keep turning toward Him because He has already turned toward me. And in that trust, I’m finding a deeper confidence and hope rising within me.
I wonder where you find yourself on the journey today? In what places is God inviting you to “return and rest” in Him so you can step forward with renewed confidence and strength, amid the uncertainties you face? God is faithful and He loves you. He has turned toward you in Christ and He promises to walk with you in the journey of life.
My prayer is that you, too, will sense the Lord turning toward you—seeing you, loving you, being with you—and that God’s quiet strength will carry you in the days ahead as you trust Him in all things.
It is a blessing to be on the journey with you!
With love and appreciation, Ryan
Last week I spent five days in the Rocky Mountains with a few ministry brothers—men who have become dear companions in the journey. Each year we carve out this space to connect deeply, share honestly, listen for the Holy Spirit on one another’s behalf, speak life-giving words, pray, and simply enjoy being together in Christ. It has become a treasured rhythm of renewal for me.
One of the things I look forward to most is the quiet of the early mornings—those slow, unhurried moments alone with the Lord in silence and stillness. This year, during one of those moments, the Lord brought Psalm 40:1 (NLT) to my heart: “I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, and he turned to me and heard my cry.”
Those words—“He turned to me”—leapt off the page.
In that quiet space I sensed the Lord whispering to my heart: “Ryan, I see you. I love you. I’m with you.”
He further encouraged me with Isaiah 30:15 (NLT): “This is what the Sovereign Lord… says: Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength.”
What a beautiful reminder that “salvation”—the flourishing, abundant life God offers us in Christ—is found in returning and resting in Him. Strength doesn’t come from striving but from quietness before God and confidence in His goodness. This has been a hard lesson for me to learn.
This word from God was especially meaningful because, in many respects, this has been a challenging year. There have been situations I haven't understood and circumstances I wish I could change. Yet the Lord is gently teaching me to trust Him—not just when He delivers, but also when He doesn’t. Not only when the path is clear, but when it feels confusing or painful.
I’m reminded of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 as they stood before the king, refusing to bow to his statue. They trusted that God could deliver them from the fiery furnace—and yet they said, v. 17 “But even if he doesn’t… we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
That phrase—“even if”—has been working its way into my soul. I’m learning, however imperfectly, to live there. To trust God’s heart even when I can’t trace His hand. To keep turning toward Him because He has already turned toward me. And in that trust, I’m finding a deeper confidence and hope rising within me.
I wonder where you find yourself on the journey today? In what places is God inviting you to “return and rest” in Him so you can step forward with renewed confidence and strength, amid the uncertainties you face? God is faithful and He loves you. He has turned toward you in Christ and He promises to walk with you in the journey of life.
My prayer is that you, too, will sense the Lord turning toward you—seeing you, loving you, being with you—and that God’s quiet strength will carry you in the days ahead as you trust Him in all things.
It is a blessing to be on the journey with you!
With love and appreciation, Ryan