Faith in the Fire: Trusting God Through Trials

This morning, we gathered to celebrate the presence and power of God, declaring that He is above all things and that nothing is impossible for Him. We were reminded that God’s love for His children is steadfast, and He knows how to give good and perfect gifts. Whatever burdens or mountains we face, God is able to move them when we approach Him in faith. The heart of our time together centered on the supernatural gift of faith—a faith that goes beyond reason, a faith that stands firm in the fire, and a faith that produces fruit in our lives.

We explored the difference between simple, natural, and saving faith, and then pressed into the unique, supernatural gift of faith described in 1 Corinthians 12. This is not the faith that simply believes for salvation or expects a seed to grow, but a God-given, Spirit-empowered faith that enables us to trust Him for the impossible, especially in the midst of trials. We looked at the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3 as a living example of this faith. When faced with a fiery furnace, they refused to bow to the culture or the threats of the king, declaring that God was able to deliver them—but even if He did not, they would not compromise. Their faith spoke boldly, stood unwavering, and ultimately saw God’s power manifest in a way that turned a nation’s heart toward the true God.

We were challenged to examine our own lives: Are we content with “curb appeal,” looking good on the outside but lacking the fruit of God’s power within? Are we willing to let God use us in ways that may be costly, risky, and beyond our comfort? The supernatural gift of faith is not for the faint of heart; it is for those who have already decided whom they will serve, no matter the cost. When we refuse to bow to fear, sin, or the pressures of culture, God draws near in the fire, reveals His glory, and brings about a ripple effect that impacts families, communities, and even nations.

Today, the invitation is to bring our mountains—whatever they may be—to God, to ask for the gift of faith, and to step boldly into the places where only God can get the glory. The fire may be hot, but God’s presence is greater. Let’s be a people who not only survive the fire but see God’s power revealed in the midst of it.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Supernatural Faith Is Distinct from Ordinary Faith There are many kinds of faith—simple, natural, saving—but the supernatural gift of faith is a Spirit-empowered ability to trust God for the impossible, especially in moments of crisis. This faith is not self-generated or based on human reasoning; it is a divine deposit for a specific moment, enabling us to believe and act beyond our natural capacity. It is available to every believer who is willing to be a vessel for God’s glory. [53:05]
• 2. Fruitfulness Is the True Mark of God’s Presence It’s easy to focus on outward appearances—curb appeal, activity, or reputation—but God looks for fruit that comes from His Spirit at work within us. Just as Jesus cursed the fig tree that had leaves but no fruit, so too does He desire that our lives and our church bear evidence of His power and presence. The greatest testimony is not what we look like, but the transformation and supernatural fruit that flows from a life surrendered to Him. [55:05]
• 3. Faith That Stands in the Fire Is Decided Before the Trial Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego did not wait until the furnace was heated to decide whom they would serve. Their unwavering stand was the result of a prior decision to honor God above all else, regardless of the cost. True faith is not convenient or comfortable; it is costly and requires a settled resolve before the pressure comes. When we have already counted the cost, we are able to stand firm when the world demands that we bow. [93:06]
• 4. God’s Glory Is Revealed Most Powerfully in Our Trials The supernatural gift of faith is often manifested in the midst of our greatest challenges. When the fire gets hotter, God draws closer, and His presence becomes undeniable. The deliverance of the three Hebrew men not only preserved their lives but also turned the heart of a pagan king and a nation toward God. Our willingness to trust God in the fire creates a ripple effect that can transform those around us. [82:45]
• 5. Faith Speaks, Stands, and Sees God’s Power Manifest Supernatural faith is not passive; it speaks God’s promises, stands firm without doubting, and expects to see God’s power revealed. This kind of faith does not hedge with “maybe” or “if,” but declares with confidence what God has spoken. As we align our words and actions with God’s will, we become conduits for His miraculous intervention, and the mountains in our lives are moved for His glory. [86:09]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [04:31] - Opening Prayer and Praise
• [05:39] - God’s Presence Beyond the Sanctuary
• [18:00] - Encouragement: Nothing Is Impossible
• [19:07] - Speaking to the Mountain
• [20:03] - Fruitfulness and the Fig Tree
• [43:41] - Remembering God’s Faithfulness
• [49:42] - Introduction to Spiritual Gifts: Faith in the Fire
• [52:06] - The Call to Spiritual Fruit
• [53:05] - Defining the Gift of Faith
• [55:05] - Curb Appeal vs. True Transformation
• [56:46] - Faith in the Midst of Trials
• [59:34] - Mark 11: Faith That Moves Mountains
• [74:17] - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: Faith in the Furnace
• [82:45] - God’s Glory Revealed in the Fire
• [86:09] - Faith Speaks, Stands, and Sees
• [93:06] - Deciding Before the Trial
• [104:26] - Faith for Revelation, Not Just Survival
• [105:53] - Responding: What Mountain Needs to Move?
• [110:23] - Altar Call and Ministry Time

Bible Reading

Mark 11:22-23 (NIV) — > “Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.”

Daniel 3:16-18, 24-30 (NIV) — > Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 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.”
> ...
> Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?” They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.” He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” ...
> Then Nebuchadnezzar said, “Praise be to the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who has sent his angel and rescued his servants! They trusted in him and defied the king’s command and were willing to give up their lives rather than serve or worship any god except their own God. ... Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the province of Babylon.”

1 Corinthians 12:7-10 (NIV) — > Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.

Observation Questions

1. In Mark 11:22-23, what does Jesus say is required for a mountain to be moved? What does He say about doubt and belief?
2. According to Daniel 3:16-18, how did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to the king’s threat, and what did they declare about God’s ability? ([01:17:15])
3. In 1 Corinthians 12:9, what is the “gift of faith” and how is it different from ordinary faith? ([53:05])
4. The sermon described the difference between “curb appeal” and true fruitfulness. What example did the pastor use to illustrate this? ([55:05])

Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus uses the image of a mountain being thrown into the sea to describe faith? What does this say about the nature of supernatural faith? ([59:34])
2. The three Hebrew men said, “But even if he does not [deliver us], we will not serve your gods.” What does this reveal about the kind of faith they had? How is this different from faith that only expects a certain outcome? ([01:17:15])
3. The sermon mentioned that supernatural faith is a “divine deposit for a specific moment.” How might this kind of faith show up in a believer’s life today? ([53:05])
4. The pastor challenged the church to examine if they are content with “curb appeal” or if their lives show real fruit. What does it look like for a church or a person to have “curb appeal” but lack fruit? ([55:05])

Application Questions

1. The sermon asked, “Are we content with ‘curb appeal,’ looking good on the outside but lacking the fruit of God’s power within?” What are some ways you might be focusing on appearances rather than true spiritual fruit? Is there an area in your life where you sense God wants to produce more fruit? ([55:05])
2. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego decided ahead of time whom they would serve, no matter the cost. Have you made a similar decision in your own life? What would it look like for you to settle this before facing a trial? ([01:33:06])
3. The supernatural gift of faith is described as costly and risky. Is there a situation in your life right now where you feel God is asking you to step out in faith, even if it’s uncomfortable or risky? What is holding you back? ([01:45:12])
4. The pastor said, “When we refuse to bow to fear, sin, or the pressures of culture, God draws near in the fire.” Can you think of a time when you stood firm in your faith despite pressure? What was the result? ([01:25:23])
5. The sermon ended by asking, “What mountain’s in your life today that needs to move?” What is one specific “mountain” (challenge, obstacle, or burden) you are facing right now? How can your group pray with you for supernatural faith to see it moved? ([01:45:53])
6. The story in Daniel 3 shows that faith in the fire can have a ripple effect on others. Who in your life might be impacted if you choose to trust God boldly in your current situation? ([01:22:45])
7. The pastor encouraged the church to “step boldly into the places where only God can get the glory.” What is one area where you want to see God’s glory revealed in your life, family, or community? What step of faith could you take this week? ([01:48:23])