Faith and Triumph Amidst Opposition: Lessons from Daniel 3
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the powerful story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from Daniel 3, focusing on the theme "Haters Are My Elevators." This narrative illustrates the trials and triumphs of these three Hebrew boys who stood firm in their faith despite facing severe opposition. King Nebuchadnezzar's decree demanded that everyone worship a golden statue, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused, choosing instead to remain faithful to God. Their defiance led them to be thrown into a blazing furnace, yet they emerged unscathed, accompanied by a divine presence, which many believe to be an angel or a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ.
This story serves as a reminder that when we step out in faith and obedience, we often encounter resistance. The enemy seeks to deter us from our God-given path, but we must remain steadfast, knowing that God is our vindicator. The trials we face are not just obstacles but opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and for us to grow in maturity and character. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's unwavering faith not only protected them but also led to their promotion, showing that what the enemy intends for harm, God can use for good.
As we reflect on this story, we are encouraged to trust in God's presence in our trials, to respond with faith rather than react in fear, and to see challenges as opportunities for growth and elevation. Our faith should not be conditional on our circumstances but rooted in the assurance of God's eternal promises.
Key Takeaways:
1. Faith in the Face of Opposition: When we step out in obedience to God's call, we often face resistance. This opposition is not a sign of failure but an opportunity to strengthen our faith and trust in God's plan. The enemy's goal is to deter us, but we must remain steadfast, knowing that God is with us and will vindicate us. [12:47]
2. God as Our Vindicator: In moments of trial, we must remember that the battle is not ours but God's. Our role is to remain faithful and trust that God will fight for us. This perspective allows us to maintain peace and avoid unnecessary conflicts, knowing that God will handle our adversaries. [19:13]
3. The Power of Worship: Worship is a powerful weapon against the enemy. When faced with challenges, instead of reacting with fear or anger, we should respond with worship and prayer. This shifts our focus from the problem to God's sovereignty and invites His presence into our situation. [22:21]
4. God's Presence in Trials: God is always with us, even in the most difficult times. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we can trust that God will be present in our trials, providing protection and comfort. Our faith should not be conditional on our circumstances but rooted in the assurance of God's eternal promises. [32:26]
5. Trials as Opportunities for Growth: The challenges we face are not just obstacles but opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and for us to grow in maturity and character. What the enemy intends for harm, God can use for good, elevating us to new levels of faith and purpose. [35:58]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[07:07] - Introduction and Personal Reflection
[10:08] - Facing Resistance in Obedience
[12:47] - The Enemy's Tactics
[14:10] - Responding to Haters
[16:17] - Nehemiah's Example
[19:13] - God as Our Vindicator
[22:21] - The Power of Worship
[32:26] - God's Presence in Trials
[35:14] - Promotion Through Trials
[35:58] - Seeing Trials as Opportunities
[36:40] - Genesis 50:20 Reflection
[37:41] - Communion Preparation
[38:16] - Reflecting on the Cross
[39:05] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Daniel 3:8-30
- Isaiah 43:2
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Observation Questions:
1. What decree did King Nebuchadnezzar issue regarding the golden statue, and what were the consequences for disobedience? [07:07]
2. How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to King Nebuchadnezzar's threat of the fiery furnace? [14:10]
3. What was King Nebuchadnezzar's reaction when he saw four men in the furnace instead of three? [32:26]
4. How did the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego conclude in terms of their status in Babylon? [35:14]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to King Nebuchadnezzar reveal about their faith and priorities? [14:10]
2. How does the presence of the fourth figure in the furnace serve as a symbol of God's protection and presence during trials? [32:26]
3. In what ways does the story illustrate the concept of God as our vindicator, and how does this affect our understanding of justice and faith? [19:13]
4. How can the promotion of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego after their trial be seen as an example of God using trials for growth and elevation? [35:14]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you faced opposition for standing firm in your beliefs. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future? [10:08]
2. How can you cultivate a mindset that sees trials as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles? Identify a current challenge and consider how it might be an opportunity for God to demonstrate His power. [35:58]
3. In what ways can you practice responding with faith and worship rather than fear and anger when faced with challenges? Consider a specific situation where you can apply this approach. [22:21]
4. How can you remind yourself of God's presence in your life during difficult times? What practical steps can you take to strengthen your awareness of His presence? [32:26]
5. Identify a situation where you need to trust God as your vindicator. How can you let go of the need to defend yourself and allow God to handle the situation? [19:13]
6. Consider a person or group that has been a source of opposition in your life. How can you respond to them in a way that reflects God's love and grace? [14:10]
7. How can you ensure that your faith remains unconditional, rooted in God's eternal promises rather than your current circumstances? What specific actions can you take to deepen your trust in God? [32:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Faithful Resistance in the Face of Opposition
When we choose to follow God's call, we often encounter resistance. This opposition is not a sign of failure but an opportunity to strengthen our faith and trust in God's plan. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego illustrates this truth vividly. Despite the threat of a fiery furnace, they stood firm in their faith, refusing to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue. Their defiance was not an act of rebellion but a demonstration of their unwavering commitment to God. This narrative reminds us that the enemy's goal is to deter us, but we must remain steadfast, knowing that God is with us and will vindicate us. [12:47]
Daniel 3:16-18 (ESV): "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.'"
Reflection: Think of a situation where you face opposition for your faith. How can you stand firm in your beliefs today, trusting that God will vindicate you?
Day 2: Trusting God as Our Vindicator
In moments of trial, it is crucial to remember that the battle is not ours but God's. Our role is to remain faithful and trust that God will fight for us. This perspective allows us to maintain peace and avoid unnecessary conflicts, knowing that God will handle our adversaries. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's story is a powerful testament to this truth. They did not retaliate against their accusers but trusted in God's deliverance. Their faith was rewarded, and they emerged from the furnace unharmed, demonstrating that God is indeed our vindicator. [19:13]
2 Chronicles 20:15 (ESV): "And he said, 'Listen, all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and King Jehoshaphat: Thus says the Lord to you, "Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God's."'"
Reflection: Identify a conflict or challenge you are currently facing. How can you release it to God and trust Him to be your vindicator?
Day 3: The Transformative Power of Worship
Worship is a powerful weapon against the enemy. When faced with challenges, instead of reacting with fear or anger, we should respond with worship and prayer. This shifts our focus from the problem to God's sovereignty and invites His presence into our situation. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's unwavering faith was a form of worship, acknowledging God's power and authority over their lives. Their story encourages us to use worship as a means to overcome fear and invite God's intervention in our trials. [22:21]
Psalm 95:6-7 (ESV): "Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand."
Reflection: In what ways can you incorporate worship into your daily routine, especially when facing difficulties? How might this change your perspective on your current challenges?
Day 4: Experiencing God's Presence in Trials
God is always with us, even in the most difficult times. Like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we can trust that God will be present in our trials, providing protection and comfort. Their story is a powerful reminder that our faith should not be conditional on our circumstances but rooted in the assurance of God's eternal promises. The divine presence in the furnace was a testament to God's faithfulness and protection, encouraging us to trust in His presence during our own trials. [32:26]
Isaiah 43:2 (ESV): "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent trial you have faced. How did you experience God's presence during that time, and how can you seek His presence in future challenges?
Day 5: Trials as Opportunities for Growth and Elevation
The challenges we face are not just obstacles but opportunities for God to demonstrate His power and for us to grow in maturity and character. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's trial led to their promotion, showing that what the enemy intends for harm, God can use for good. Their story encourages us to see trials as opportunities for growth and elevation, trusting that God can use them to elevate us to new levels of faith and purpose. [35:58]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: Consider a current challenge you are facing. How can you view it as an opportunity for growth and trust that God will use it for your good?
Quotes
1) "Have you ever had that moment in life, and I'm talking about your Christian life, where maybe you make the decision that, hey, you know what? Me and my family, we're going to go to church. going to serve the Lord come to church you hear a message you get pumped up you're like you know what maybe we're going to we're going to start serving the Lord or maybe you come to church and you hear a message that challenges you and and you feel called to do something to step out into the hyperbole boat and walk on water and so you take a step in the direction that God is leading you to and or maybe maybe you're a follower of Jesus and you feel that God has led you to start a business start a business start a podcast start a blog write a book do something so and so you step out in that very thing or maybe you feel challenged and you hear a message one day where God is calling you to a greater level of holiness and so you make this decision hey maybe I got to cut some of my friendship circles I got to I got to step out I got to step in a new direction and so you step in that new direction have you ever fallen to any one of those categories and then when you finally have stepped out in obedience when you finally make the decision to go to that church when you finally make the decision to start that business to stop dating that individual to stop being a part of that friendship group that all of a sudden everything in hell just breaks out in your life have you ever been there where you've sensed that you heard from God in the direction that God was calling you to and so you step out in that direction and it almost seems at the very moment you step out everything and everyone seems to come against you things seem to not go well things seem to break down you seem to all of a sudden sudden have enemies that you didn't know of things start going absolutely wild in your life now I don't know if that's happened to you but a majority of Christians that I talk to any time they take a right step in the right direction in obedience that God is calling them to they are met with some form of resistance they are met with some form of attack they are met with some form of trial and usually with that trial with that attack with that breakdown with that individuals whatever they said to you usually the intention of that is to get you to go back to where you were before you took that step." [10:08] (139 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "It's to get you to go back to not doing anything and being used by God. It's to get you to go back to not going to church. It's to get you to go back to not raising your family in the ways that it should go. It's to get you to go back and not start that. It's to get you to go back to a place of seclusion. It's to get you to go back to a place of conformity. It's to get you to go back to a place of being comfortable why because the devil knows the potential that's inside of you and usually he has a better sense of faith knowing that what's on the other side of your obedience more than you care to think about and oftentimes his goal is to get you to stop and what happens with Christians is when we finally take the step in the right direction and we're met with an adversary or we're met with a trial we question the validity of the word that we received from God we question did we really hear from you Lord God did you really say God did you really mean that God are you sure that it was your Holy Spirit that spoke to me and not my emotions and it's funny because we start with the right step in the right direction fully of faith in one moment and then in the other moment we're questioning God we're questioning him we're doubting we're allowing fear to override anxiety to come over our lives and oftentimes it pushes you back to your place of wherever you were and then the enemy wins it's like checkmate I got him I got her I got him again some of us that's how you live your whole life you've I'm gonna go to church it's gonna be good I go to church oh my God I'm gonna go to church I'm gonna go to church I'm gonna go to church oh my gosh my boyfriend breaks up with me I hate God I'm gonna go back you know why he broke up with because God already saw that you were going to be a woman who was going to be on fire for the Lord and knew that he wasn't going to conform, so he bowed him out for you. And so it pushes us back, and so many Christians are constantly standing on the banks of the Jordan, afraid to put their feet in because every time they do, although it stops flowing in a sense, there's a fear that what if I get to the other side and something worse happens or something else comes against me. I just want to tell you something that you might already know, Christian. I want to tell you something that you might already know or not already know. Listen to this. At the moment that you decide that you're going to take a step of obedience in the direction that God is calling you to, the moment that you step out in an area that is going to require faith, the moment that you step out in an area to shift the dynamics, of your family and the generational curses that have been casted over your life, the minute that you turn around from following hell and everything that it has for you and turn to God and seek him first, his kingdom and his righteousness, everything in hell is going to come against you." [12:47] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "I also want you to know that when you begin to flourish and you begin to thrive, there are going to be people in your circle that are not going to be happy with what God is doing in you and what he's doing through you. There are going to be people that cannot go with you because they can't grow with you. There's going to be, thank you for the golf clap. Yes, I love it. Exhilarating. Right? There's going to be people in your life that are going to be jealous of you. There's going to be people in your life that are going to be jealous of the money that you're now making. Jealous of the marriage that now has fallen apart and is intact. Jealous of your children that are once wayward and are now serving the Lord. Jealous of the business that you started that is bringing in income and employment. There are going to be people that are going to hate on you. And if you're not careful, and if you're not attentive, and if you're not aware of the situation that is going on, you will be someone that always reacts to haters instead of responds to haters in those moments. My first thought, I don't even know if I said it, is number one, you're always going to have haters and agitators when you're trying to live right. Here is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. They are Jewish Hebrew boys living in a pagan land. They are exiles in Babylon, just like us Christians. We've got to realize that California, the United States, is Babylon. We've got to stop trying to turn it into whatever it is and realize, that we can thrive as exiles as Babylon, because so did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and Daniel, and everyone else. They're Hebrew boys that are living in a non -Hebrew community. They're living in a pagan land, in a pagan nation, and all of a sudden, the pagan king decides to find three Hebrew boys. He doesn't even look in his own camp. He looks over here on the other side of the fence, finds three Hebrew boys who don't even serve the God that he serves, don't even understand. He doesn't understand what they do, but says, I see something in them. I see something on them. I want to use them over in my kingdom. and so he elevates them and now on the other end you have astrologers and all of these kinds of people that are living in the king's palace and are being used by the king and want a promotion and are knowing that they've been serving the king for years and yet they're watching these three Hebrew boys get put in a position of prominence over them so what happens they become jealous they start hating they start agitating and they come against Shadrach Meshach and Abednego and they bring accusations against them they say hey king listen when all those instruments play they don't bow down and worship you as a matter of fact they are defying your commands right now this moment this very minute why did they do that because they were jealous they were upset and they were a tool of the enemy to snuff out what Shadrach Meshach and Abednego had going on and what God was doing in them and through them in that place you know Shadrach Meshach and Abednego got confused and they were like why are you doing this to me you're defrauded by the king he calls him he says hey is this true what's going on you are my loyal servants are you guys not worshiping this golden image if you don't you know I'm going to put you in the furnace and they say no really we're not and this is what they say in verse 16 Shadrach Meshach and Abednego replied to the king Nebuchadnezzar we don't need to defend ourselves before you in this matter I want to tell you something about when people come against you because they will come against you there will be people in your circle people at your workplace people in your life people in your friendship group people in your schools that will be jealous of you and will come against you and the question is you have an opportunity do I react to these moments or do I respond to these moments a mature Christian will not react but he will respond what is the response that they give we don't got to defend ourselves because I know who I am I know who my God is and I'm going to do me I think of I think of Nehemiah when he's building the fence and Sam Ballard and Tupac and Biggie Smalls and I think of Nehemiah when he's building the fence and Sam Ballard and Tupac and Biggie Smalls and they're all coming against him" [16:17] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "And they come and Nehemiah's on the ladder, he's building. And they come and they say, Nehemiah, they're talking about you. Nehemiah, they're saying that your wall is boo -boo. Nehemiah, they said, you don't got a mom. And he was like, what? Nehemiah says, I ain't got time to come down. I'm over here building. I don't have time to come down to that because I'm over here doing God's work. Man, in a culture where we're constantly on social media, in a culture where we're constantly dealing with comparison, comparison, and jealousy, and all of these kinds of things, imagine if us, when we get in those moments of difficulty, when people come against us, when things come against us, and we would have the same response, I don't have to defend myself at work. I don't have to defend myself in this room. I don't have to defend myself because I know my God will take care of it because I'm too busy focused on the kingdom. I'm too busy focused on what God is doing in my life. Which brings me to my second idea, which is this. God is your vindicator." [19:13] (63 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "Know when you're faced with opposition, when you're faced with trial for doing the right things, right? This is the word of God. Say, consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you face trials of many kinds because the testing of your faith will develop perseverance and perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete. Let me tell you something. The trial that keeps coming your way over and over again, the reason it's recycled over and over again is because you're recycling your reaction and God is saying, you need a new response. Because I'm trying to bring maturity and character your way. So sometimes God will use agitators to elevate your maturity. He will use those things that come against you to promote you to a new level. So when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego saw these people that were hating on them, they didn't see a problem. They saw an opportunity. Oh, you talking mess, boy. You trying to get me in trouble. I see what you do there. But watch God. Why? Don't believe me? Just watch. He didn't write a diss track. He didn't write a diss track about them. Come on, Kendrick. but your lord the lord is your vindicated this is this is this is what's going to help you when things come against you and people come against you some of you don't even realize at work you're the boss and they hate you they hate you not because of who you are but they hate you because of whose you are they hate you because of what's on you and what you carry and because you carry greatness and because you carry the king of kings and the lord of lords with you we have to learn how to operate in those moments and see things from the greater perspective this is what second chronicles 2015 says listen king jehoshaphat and all who live in judah and jerusalem this is what the lord says to you do not be afraid or discouraged because of the vast army for the battle is not yours but god's let's understand something when somebody comes against you when the enemy comes against you i want you to know something it is not your fight it's god's fight you're god's child so you have to understand that because you're god's child and he's your enemy you're not your own child you're not your own child you're not your own child your father he looks to vindicate and defend you the battle is not yours but God's in this text King Jehoshaphat is getting ready to go to war they're outnumbered the enemy has greater numbers than them has greater chariots greater weapons and King Jehoshaphat is ready to go to war but he doesn't go to war in the traditional way he doesn't go to war the way the kings typically go to war he doesn't fight the battle the way that he's normally fought the battle what he does instead is he tells the worship team I want you to go in front of the chariots I want you to go in front of the archers I want you to go in front of the fighting men and I want you to lead us all the way worshiping God and worshiping the king of kings and the lord of lords and so what began to happen as this caravan is moving forward and as worship is up front the worship is going on the worship is going on and the worship is going on and the worship is going on and the worship is And what happened? God began to fight the battle for them. And the other enemy began to turn on themselves and kill themselves and kill each other. won the victory and they win the battle without ever having to raise a sword because their worship went first because they recognize the battle is not mine but God's what if we began to approach these moments in our lives through a different perspective what if when we began to face trials and people began to come against us and people began to talk about us and people began to hurt us instead of our natural instinct to hurt them back what if we worship back what if we praised what if we actually lifted up the name king of kings and the lord of lords I'll go one step further this isn't in my notes what if we actually prayed for our enemies if your enemy is hungry give him something to eat if your enemy is thirsty give him something to drink in doing so you will heat burning coals on their head let me tell you what that scripture actually means and what it indicates to heat burning coals on the head is to indicate this that burning coals what was used to bend the stiffest of metals when making armored or making swords and so what God was trying to say that if you love your enemy if you pray for your enemy if you meet your enemy in their time of need what you will do like this coal that burns and softens the hardened metals is that your love might actually soften the hardened heart and turn them to me collect are y 'all with me this morning church are we here okay I want to go over exodus 14 14 really quick I want to read it in three different translations we're going to start with the first one when I'm facing opposition when I'm facing attack when people are coming up against me for doing the right thing what is my response well maybe worship first second listen to this the lord will fight for you you need only to be still we live in an era we want to clap back on everything we want to tweet back everything we want to comment back on everything we want to repost everything we want to all come back we're going to come we always want a good comeback we are the people of comeback I'm the king of comebacks I don't come at me but listen not my king of comebacks I'm the king of comebacks I'm the king of comebacks I'm the king of comebacks I'm the king of comebacks I'm the king of comebacks I'm the king of comebacks kids come at me I'm like where'd you learn that they're like you" [22:21] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "it's like your mother and so he says you need to be still listen to exodus 14 14 out of the king james the lord shall fight for you and ye shall hold your peace most of the time the crap that comes your way is to rob you of peace some of you keep giving up your peace like it's a buffet just freely every time something comes your way it shatters your oh my gosh freaking out right oh my gosh that's not what god called he doesn't call us to live in a constant state of anxiety every time we face a difficult situation or every time someone that we don't agree with comes at us he calls us to hold on to our peace to be still to keep our peace some of you've been allowing the enemy to steal your peace when i look at shatrag mishak and abednego i never once smelled or sensed any form of anxiety i didn't sense any form of the fact that they lost trust in hope in god they played it cool as a cucumber that was like veggie tales before there were veggie tales man they were still and they kept their peace you we don't have to defend ourselves we good we can whatever and then listen to exodus 14 14 out of the nasb the lord will fight for you while you keep silence some of us need to learn how to be still keep our peace and shut your mouth some of you want to defend yourself for everything and the lord is saying cha cha your mouth that's what he's saying he's saying you always get yourself in trouble because your mouth that's who i am that's just what it's my culture no your culture is kingdom bubba that's what your culture is stop trying to blame your culture and your upbringing because i can blame everything on me being cuban even drug usage but we're not going to go there right and so y 'all saw the movie scarf don't act like you didn't see it some of us in these moments how does our response need to be you need to learn to be still when things come against you still and seek the face of god worship the face of god hold on to your peace don't be afraid to be still when things come against you don't give it away and be silent sometimes there is a time to speak but there's also a time to be silent what christians are not learning today is when to shut their mouths and seek god we want to we want to we want to talk about god and never seek him in silence we some of us we feel like we got to defend you don't got to defend god you don't got to defend his cause you don't got to defend him he can defend himself but listen to this when it says keep silent that word silent in the hebrew means to be deaf and to be silent to be deaf to be silent means to not hear when people talk about when things go i don't hear i'm good i'm good i'm going to be still i'm going to hold on to my peace i'm not going to listen i'm not going to pay attention to that some of the most successful people have the ability to tune that stuff out and let me tell you something the more you want to further you want to go in any aspect of life the more haters you will encounter the more battles you will encounter man i can't even tell you how many battles i've encountered but i was thinking about this and i'll come back to that my kids are loud um a lot really loud and uh there's not a room that i can't go in where i don't hear them at some capacity i can even go into the garage in the attic and i can still hear them and it's just absolutely so what do i do man i'll go into my daughter's room milo because she's always in my room i'll close the door i'll put on my beats in my thing and i hit that silence ones where you just can't hear nothing and it's just you can only hear what you're why i don't hear anything man my kids will come in the room they'll start talking and i'm just nodding like yeah whatever you said yeah i love you go go go for it right the house is on fire afterwards but it cancels all of the noise some of us need to learn how to stop the noise that we pay attention to even the noise that you pay attention to politically all the things that you take and we need to just learn to silence to be still and to seek him because the further you want to be used in any area of your life you want the promotion you want to be the manager you want to be the the regional manager you want to be the district manager you want to be the this you want to be the that you always say new levels new devils the further you go the more opposition and agitation you will face from people man as a pastor you would think that you would never encounter that but you do let me just tell you I wrote a book and writing that book man I thought there would be people in my corner the people that I thought that were going to be in my corner were the people that were the quietest or the people didn't even support it and the people that I didn't expect were the ones that actually championed it but guess what I have to have the maturity and the wisdom to be okay to be still to sit in the silence and to just look at him and worship him and thank him for what he's doing in me and what he's doing through me verse 18 they said this we don't have to defend ourselves he said but even if he does not we want you to know your majesty that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up can you look hey look you you , look we don't got to defend ourselves because God's going to come through for us he always does he's never let us down but even if he doesn't I'm not going to serve your golden statue even if he doesn't come through on this side of eternity I know that on the other side of eternity I've got the victory in Jesus name already so I don't have to I can we live our lives like that I can we live our lives like that I can I will serve you God I will love you got I will do what you call me to do a. My step out in even if you we go I can we look like that fashion we follow God conditionally when you follow you if you provide God I will take a leap of faith if you catch me on wings of eagle that I might soar over Mount Zion into the dew of Mount Hermon if God calls us to things if God calls us could we could we say God no matter what even if you didn't come through even if you didn't I'm going to still choose to stand firm in the truth that you call me to because I know that maybe not on this side of eternity God but on the other side I win if we viewed things through that lens we wouldn't have to live our entire lives fighting and defending there's some of you in here man that's all you do you just you're not stop fighting your fight -or -flight you grew up thinking you always have to defend and maybe you did but when you become a child of God all you have to do is be still and know that he is God my third thought is God will always be with you and present your trials whether you whether you whether you know it whether you don't know it whether you see him or whether you don't see him he's always with you even in the hard moments even in the setbacks even when everybody is talking about you and everybody's been coming against you even even when when nothing is going the way that you thought he's still he's not he never leaves you or forsakes you doesn't abandon you some of us we need to let Let that cement into our minds and in our hearts that God is Emmanuel, that he is a God who is with me, that he is with me right now in my storm, that he is with me right now in the furnace, that he is with me right now in this moment and in this place and in my brokenness, that he sits with me, that he is with me. But even if he didn't pull me out on the other side, I'm still going to worship him. Stop letting your worship be conditional on the blessing that you prayed for and let it be just on the fact that he died and rose for you. That's good enough." [32:26] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "they get thrown in the fire fire so hot it burns the men who go in and in verse 25 he said look I see four men walking around in the fire unbound and unharmed and the fourth looks like a son of gods there is another in the you don't got that key no see Shadrach Meshach and Abednego they looked at the situation not as a problem they looked at it as an opportunity for God to get the glory see they didn't know what God was gonna do but they trusted him enough to come through and he did and when they were thrown in the fire the fourth man many believe was Jesus incarnate in that moment many believe it was an angel but nonetheless God was in there with them and did not allow harm to come to them because Isaiah 43 2 says when you go through deep waters I will be with you and when you go through rivers of difficulty you will not drown and when you walk through the fire of oppression you will not be burned up the flames will not consume you and that's a scripture that we need to take to the bank and when I'm going through turbulent times and I feel like I'm drowning and I'm I'm walking through the waters that God is not gonna allow me to drown that when I feel like I'm walking through furnace of life and the heat has been turned up that although I walk through the fire I shall not get burnt because he is with me I feel like that's a mature responses to opposition that's the mature response when the agitators comes that we would know that no matter what the God is with me the God is with me in this moment some of you are in a moment right now of heartache you're in a moment of difficulty and you've been questioning is God with me And I'm here to tell you that he is. He's never left you. He will never leave you. You are his and he holds you in the palm of his right hand. And there is nothing that can ever snatch you from that. See, I thought I was closing, but I wasn't. I still had like 27 more minutes to preach, but I'm almost done. In verse 30. After the king saw and he called them out. It says, then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon." [35:14] (164 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8) "The very thing that the enemy used to destroy them. The very thing that the enemy used to kill them was the very thing that God used to platform them. Was the very thing that God used to take them to the next level. And I share that with you in this. The next time you encounter a moment of difficulty. A moment of trial. A moment when people come against you. [35:58] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
May we not have the wisdom and the maturity to stop for a moment. And not just see a problem. But see an opportunity. An opportunity to display the glory of God. And an opportunity for you to go to a level that you've never been before. To go to a place that you've never been before. Because God says this. That he takes us from glory to glory to glory. He takes you from revelation to revelation to revelation. He takes you from one moment to the next to the next. He desires what? That we always progress. And that we continue to move forward. And we continue to stand firm in what he's called us to do and who he's called us to be." [36:40] (42 seconds)
