Have you ever felt like no one was hearing your prayers? Or maybe–even worse–no one was answering? What do you do then? The guys from MercyMe explain how those situations played into the creation of their latest song, Even If.
Story Behind “Even If” by Bart Millard
Even If was going to be our second or third single on this album. But, by the time the album was finished we were like, “What are we doing?” We realized Even If was the song for the album because this is why we’re in ministry. We’re doing this to reach people where they are and Even If is that song for us. We’ve had bad days. I’ve had awful days with my child having a chronic illness and there are times where I feel like I just can’t do this anymore. I want to be like Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and say “I know that God will deliver me but if he doesn’t I’m still not going to bow. I will still worship Him and He’s still worthy to be praised.” I want to be that guy.
Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego Story (Daniel 3.13-18 NLT)
Then Nebuchadnezzar flew into a rage and ordered that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego be brought before him. When they were brought in, Nebuchadnezzar said to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you refuse to serve my gods or to worship the gold statue I have set up? I will give you one more chance to bow down and worship the statue I have made when you hear the sound of the musical instruments. But if you refuse, you will be thrown immediately into the blazing furnace. And then what god will be able to rescue you from my power?”
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”
That’s what this song “Even If” talks about. I know what God is capable of but even if He doesn’t come through, He is still my hope because of what He’s already done, not what the circumstances are doing to me. My circumstances are not going to change what Christ has done for me. If nothing else, He’s the only thing that has prepared me for the circumstance.
“Even If” is a reminder to people in difficult situations that don’t seem to go away. God was worthy long before any of those circumstances even showed up. This song is a declaration to God that even if He went silent and never said another word, He’s still worthy to be praised and that He’s our greatest hope in the midst of the trial.” – Bart Millard (MercyMe)
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Our Pastor’s wife’s brother has liver cancer and he is unable to receive any more treatment. He’s only 46, has a wife and 4 daughters. When I heard this song I immediately thought of him and every time I hear it I think of him. Fortunately he is saved and prepared for leaving his family. But any way you look at it, it’s very sad. I know God could heal him if He wanted to. At this time it looks like God wants him home. So please pray for him and his family. And…thanks for the song of encouaragement.
Sorry to hear about your Pastor’s wife’s brother, Johanna. We are praying for him and his family. Thanks for listening to STAR 93.3.
My son has cancer. He’s only 46. He & his wife have 4 girls between them & 3 granddaughters. He’s our only child. I cry every time I hear “Even If” by Mercy Me. We don’t know yet if this cancer can be cured. This song says it all for me. Even if God does not heal my son, I will still believe in God & His Son Jesus!!!
I heard this song shortly after signing for my 28-year-old son’s body, after he coded in the hospital. He suffered from a blood clotting disorder, and he had a blood clot hit his heart. Nothing in the world could have prepared me for that situation. I have sung solos at church, so I identify with the part of the song where it says, “right now – right now, I just can’t”. I am working very hard to sing once again. I know my son is in Heaven, but there is a hole in my heart that will take years to overcome, if ever. The singing isn’t the problem, if I can just disconnect my emotions from the song. I’ll get there, and it is comforting to know someone else is battling the fight and having their faith tested, and I am not alone. All of the songs MercyMe sing seem to go with whatever is going on in my life. Your ministry has touched people immensely to keep fighting the good fight. Thank you!
– Broken-hearted Mom in GA
Thank you for sharing your story. We’re sorry to hear about your son and the staff at STAR 93.3 is praying for you. God, please continue to comfort this broken-hearted Mom in GA.
First heard this song about 2 weeks ago here in Washington DC/Baltimore. Rebirth two years ago after hearing Flawless. Glad I came to Jesus, as my past hasn’t been the best. Now in this trial period. Being tested. My hope is for a new job. This next job will come SECOND to the family. I need His spirit in me. I feel compelled to evangelize… because He is here. I have no second thoughts that Jesus… was, is, and is to come. The Bible applies throughout history. As Bart said, maybe He is not ready to help me move on. I’ve learned many lessons and praise Him for changing me for the better.
I pastor a church in Georgia., Two weeks ago my dad suddenly passed away , just two years after my mom. I’m having health problems and I understand song , bc the past few weeks I’m having a hard time telling my ppl everything is going to be all right. God is faithful! No matter what God will be there for his children!!
Sorry to hear about your loss Pastor Kevin. God is faithful, amen. We’re praying for you and your family.
“Even if” is truly the song of my heart. My family is currently facing dire financial strain and health problems but this song just helps me realise that Jesus is still my hope and He always will be.
Thanks for sharing and for listening, Julie. Please know that we are praying for your family. 🙏
This song has become a lifeline for me. My ex husband is an alcoholic who doesn’t want help. I was with him 21 years which was literally half my life as I was 21 when we married. Now he has disappeared…no one in his family has heard from him and neither have I. He has no phone. He lost it when he got drunk. I’m in the middle of a bankruptcy because of the divorce and alcoholism. Our youngest daughter is 17 and has bipolar, anxiety and depression and is in a horrible relationship she won’t break out of and tells me “Mom you tried to make things work with Dad”. There are days I can’t function. But God is good always and I hope in Him.
Thia, we’re praying for you and your family. You are so right, God is good always. You’re not alone 😉
Thank you for this wonderful song. My son has type 1 diabetes and I know the pain all too real but that’s why I love this song. God has a plan and no matter what it is we will be by His side. Thank you.
Dan thank you so much for sharing. We are so happy this song encourages you. We are praying for your family. Have a wonderful week and God bless.
My 84 year old Dad and his outright refusal to understand Who Jesus is has put me in some turmoil. Hearing this prayer of a worship song has helped me tremendously to remember that my faith and my hope in Him Alone is what the Lord desires. And then He takes care of the rest of it.
We’re praying for your Dad Susan and thank you for sharing. Amen, He will take care of the rest 😉
I went through a terrible breakup early this year. Less than a week after I was advised to myomectomy to remove fibroids that had grown in different parts of my womb. It was the most lonely period of my life.
I felt like God had abandoned me to my problems, I cried day and night for healing but it didn’t come.
I listened to this song intently and reminded myself of the times God was indeed faithful to me, I’d forgotten all of it because of my recent trials. The song was a source of hope and peace to my troubled soul.
I’m not fully healed but better than before,I bless the Lord for His mercies.
We’re so glad this song was encouraging to you, Lumen! Praise God that he is always faithful.