Series: Stand—Stories of Courage from Daniel Week 5: Stand Firm
Some of you will go through a tough time!
Heading into a trial, middle of a trial, coming out of a trial: John 16:33.
You may be battling one fire or another: Unanswered prayer, criticism, Lost job, Health issues, Financial challenges, Strained relationships, Discouragement, Depression.
What do you do, when you’re in the middle of the furnace? 1 Peter 1:7
TRUTH: A FAITH THAT’S TESTED IS A FAITH THAT CAN BE TRUSTED.
Review: King Nebuchadnezzar after conquering Judah, ordered the capture of the best and brightest.The King makes gold statue 90 ft tall & 9 ft wide-Every gov leader, adviser, judge, magistrate to come to the dedication!
Daniel 3:4-6
Daniel 3:12-15: Everyone was bowing, 3 guys standing
A faith that’s tested is a faith that can be trusted.
THREE QUALITIES OF STANDING IN FAITH
- FAITH OBEYS GOD INSTEAD OF FOLLOWING MAN. Daniel 3:16
Love that they didn’t need to defend themselves-don’t have to explain everything.
Didn’t weigh pro’s & cons.
Didn’t post on FB ask for advice.
Didn’t have to pray.
The plan was: obedience. (BTW it was a Predetermined Plan)
Think about how easy it would have been to rationalize a different plan.
I Promise you-if you’re committed to serving God Satan will give you ample opportunities to compromise your commitment.
Faith obeys God instead of following man.
- FAITH BELIEVES IN SPITE OF WHAT IT SEES. Daniel 3:17
No matter what I see-my faith says God is willing and able!
See a bad medical report-my God is willing and able to heal!
See a broken relationship-my God is willing and able to restore!
See a dangerously low bank account-my God is willing and able to provide!
Jehovah-jireh: He is my provider.
God is not confined to the things that I see. My faith believes in spite of what it sees! But what if God doesn’t do what I’m believing for him to do???
- FAITHFUL OBEDIENCE IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY. THE OUTCOME IS GOD’S. Daniel 3:18
Because we will do what’s right before God and trust him with the results!
Not a big deal when we know the end of the story
These 3 had no idea what would happen!
King ordered furnace heated 7x hotter, strongest soldiers to tie up three men. Throw in. Flames killed soldiers. Daniel 3:24-25
God will show you His power, in all kinds of different ways, through the course of your life. But you will know His presence – the tangible reality of the presence of Christ – best, when you are in the fire.
Don’t minimize what the presence of God in the circumstance of your hurt will accomplish.
Daniel 3:27b
They Didn’t bend, didn’t bow, and because of God-wouldn’t burn!
When God shows up in your hurt, the world will look on, and God will be glorified.
Daniel 3:28
A Faith that is Tested is a Faith that can be Trusted.