Faith in Trials: Embracing God's Presence in the Furnace

Devotional

Day 1: Mission Trips as Catalysts for Spiritual Growth

Mission trips can profoundly transform your worldview and heart. They push you out of your comfort zone, exposing you to real poverty and need, which in turn ignites a deeper commitment to community, tithing, and serving. This transformation is essential in a culture that constantly pressures us to conform to various idols. When you step into a different environment, you see firsthand the struggles and faith of others, which can inspire and challenge your own faith journey.

By engaging in mission work, you become more aware of the global body of Christ and the diverse ways God is at work in the world. This experience can lead to a more profound sense of gratitude and a renewed passion for serving others in your local community. It also helps you to see beyond your own circumstances and recognize the broader needs of the world, fostering a heart of compassion and generosity. [39:01]

Isaiah 58:10 (ESV): "If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday."

Reflection: Think of a time when you stepped out of your comfort zone to help someone in need. How did that experience change your perspective on your own life and faith?

Day 2: Unwavering Faith in the Face of Trials

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue, despite the threat of a blazing furnace, exemplifies unwavering faith. Their declaration, "Our God is able to save us, but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods," teaches us the importance of trusting God, not just for deliverance but for His presence in our trials. This kind of faith is not contingent on outcomes but is rooted in a deep trust in God's character and sovereignty.

In our own lives, we may face situations where our faith is tested, and we are pressured to conform to the world's standards. It is in these moments that we must remember the example of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, standing firm in our faith and trusting that God is with us, regardless of the outcome. This unwavering faith is a powerful testimony to those around us and can inspire others to trust in God as well. [49:31]

1 Peter 1:6-7 (ESV): "In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you demonstrate unwavering faith in God, regardless of the outcome?

Day 3: God Meets Us in the Furnace

The miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace, where they encountered a divine presence, illustrates that God often meets us in our most challenging moments. This story reminds us that God may not always deliver us from the furnace, but He will deliver us in the furnace, providing His presence and strength. When we face difficult situations, it is comforting to know that we are not alone; God is with us, providing the support and strength we need to endure.

This divine presence in our trials can transform our perspective, helping us to see our challenges as opportunities for growth and deeper reliance on God. It also serves as a reminder that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His plans for us are ultimately for our good, even if we cannot see it in the moment. [58:51]

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: Recall a time when you felt God's presence during a difficult situation. How did His presence provide you with strength and comfort?

Day 4: The Danger of Furnace Avoidance

In our comfortable lives, we must be cautious not to prioritize furnace avoidance over full devotion to God. Instead, we should pray for opportunities to demonstrate our faith and devotion, even if it means facing trials. God calls us to a deeper, more dangerous life of faith, where we trust Him fully and follow Him, even into the furnace. Avoiding challenges and trials may seem appealing, but it can lead to a shallow and complacent faith.

By embracing the trials and challenges that come our way, we allow God to refine our faith and deepen our relationship with Him. This willingness to face difficulties head-on, with a heart fully devoted to God, can lead to a more vibrant and impactful faith journey. It also serves as a powerful witness to others, showing that our faith is not just about comfort and ease, but about trusting God in all circumstances. [01:10:29]

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: Identify an area of your life where you have been avoiding challenges. How can you shift your perspective to see these challenges as opportunities to demonstrate your faith and devotion to God?

Day 5: Living Out Our Faith in a Hostile Culture

As Christians, we must stand for God, even when surrounded by competing idols and pressures to conform. Our faith should be evident in how we handle tribulations with praise and faith, not whining and complaining. This unwavering faith and trust in God's control, regardless of circumstances, is a powerful testimony to the world. In a culture that often promotes self-reliance and conformity, standing firm in our faith can be challenging but is essential for living out our calling as followers of Christ.

By living out our faith boldly and authentically, we can be a light in a dark world, pointing others to the hope and truth found in Jesus. This requires a daily commitment to seek God's guidance, rely on His strength, and trust in His sovereignty, even when it goes against the cultural norms and pressures we face. [01:06:04]

Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: Think of a specific situation where you are tempted to conform to the world's standards. How can you stand firm in your faith and be a testimony to those around you in that situation?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, I want to encourage you to consider going on a mission trip. If I could ask you to do one thing and you would say yes, it would be this. Mission trips transform your worldview and heart, making you more eager to engage in community, tithing, and serving. This transformation is crucial in our current cultural climate, which pressures us to conform to various idols.

We explored Daniel 3, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced immense pressure to bow to King Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue. Despite the threat of being thrown into a blazing furnace, they stood firm in their faith, refusing to worship any god but the one true God. Their story teaches us about unwavering faith and devotion, even in the face of severe trials.

Nebuchadnezzar's rhetorical question, "What god will be able to rescue you from my hand?" was met with a profound declaration of faith: "Our God is able to save us, but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods." This statement underscores the importance of trusting God, not just for deliverance but for His presence in our trials.

The miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace, where they encountered a divine presence, illustrates that God often meets us in our most challenging moments. This story reminds us that God may not always deliver us from the furnace, but He will deliver us in the furnace, providing His presence and strength.

In our comfortable lives, we must be cautious not to prioritize furnace avoidance over full devotion to God. Instead, we should pray for opportunities to demonstrate our faith and devotion, even if it means facing trials. God calls us to a deeper, more dangerous life of faith, where we trust Him fully and follow Him, even into the furnace.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Mission Trips as Catalysts for Spiritual Growth: Going on a mission trip can profoundly transform your worldview and heart. It pushes you out of your comfort zone, exposing you to real poverty and need, which in turn ignites a deeper commitment to community, tithing, and serving. This transformation is essential in a culture that constantly pressures us to conform to various idols. [39:01]
2. Unwavering Faith in the Face of Trials: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's refusal to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden statue, despite the threat of a blazing furnace, exemplifies unwavering faith. Their declaration, "Our God is able to save us, but even if He does not, we will not serve your gods," teaches us the importance of trusting God, not just for deliverance but for His presence in our trials. [49:31]
3. God Meets Us in the Furnace: The miraculous deliverance of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace, where they encountered a divine presence, illustrates that God often meets us in our most challenging moments. This story reminds us that God may not always deliver us from the furnace, but He will deliver us in the furnace, providing His presence and strength. [58:51]
4. The Danger of Furnace Avoidance: In our comfortable lives, we must be cautious not to prioritize furnace avoidance over full devotion to God. Instead, we should pray for opportunities to demonstrate our faith and devotion, even if it means facing trials. God calls us to a deeper, more dangerous life of faith, where we trust Him fully and follow Him, even into the furnace. [70:29]
5. Living Out Our Faith in a Hostile Culture: As Christians, we must stand for God, even when surrounded by competing idols and pressures to conform. Our faith should be evident in how we handle tribulations with praise and faith, not whining and complaining. This unwavering faith and trust in God's control, regardless of circumstances, is a powerful testimony to the world. [01:06:04]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[39:01] - The Power of Mission Trips
[40:18] - Introduction to Daniel 3
[41:45] - Nebuchadnezzar's Golden Statue
[43:11] - Trusting in God Over Politics
[44:18] - The Pressure to Conform
[45:47] - Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's Stand
[47:11] - Nebuchadnezzar's Rage
[48:35] - The Rhetorical Question
[49:31] - A Statement of Remarkable Faith
[50:56] - The Greatest Statement of Devotion
[52:09] - Facing the Worst-Case Scenario
[53:29] - Even If He Does Not
[54:44] - The Rwanda Prison Story
[56:21] - Choosing Death Over Disobedience
[57:05] - Thrown into the Furnace
[58:51] - The Fourth Man in the Fire
[61:02] - Delivered in the Furnace
[66:04] - Do You Smell Like Smoke?
[70:29] - The Danger of Furnace Avoidance
[73:25] - Heroes of Faith
[74:54] - Following Jesus Through Trials
[78:06] - Standing Firm in a Broken World
[79:35] - Invitation and Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What was King Nebuchadnezzar's command regarding the golden statue, and what were the consequences for disobedience? ([41:45])
How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to Nebuchadnezzar's threat of the fiery furnace? ([49:31])
What miraculous event occurred when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into the furnace? ([58:51])
How did King Nebuchadnezzar react after witnessing the miracle in the furnace? ([01:06:04])

Interpretation Questions

What does the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to Nebuchadnezzar's threat reveal about their faith and trust in God? ([49:31])
How does the presence of the fourth man in the furnace change the understanding of God's deliverance in trials? ([58:51])
What does the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teach about the importance of standing firm in one's faith in a hostile culture? ([01:06:04])
How can the concept of "God delivering us in the furnace, not from the furnace" be applied to modern-day challenges and trials? ([01:01:02])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you faced a significant trial. How did you experience God's presence during that time? ([01:01:02])
In what ways can going on a mission trip push you out of your comfort zone and transform your worldview and heart? ([39:01])
How can you demonstrate unwavering faith in your daily life, especially when faced with pressures to conform to societal norms? ([49:31])
What are some "golden statues" or idols in your life that you might be tempted to bow down to? How can you resist these pressures? ([40:18])
How can you cultivate a deeper, more dangerous life of faith, where you trust God fully and follow Him, even into the furnace? ([01:10:29])
Think of a specific situation where you might be avoiding the "furnace" in your life. How can you change your perspective to see it as an opportunity to demonstrate your faith and devotion to God? ([01:10:29])
How can you handle tribulations with praise and faith, rather than whining and complaining, to show others who Jesus really is? ([01:06:04])

Sermon Clips

1. "If you would only do one thing and say yes for sure, I would ask you to go on a mission trip. And the reason why is because your worldview gets changed. Your heart gets transformed as you get outside your comfort zone and see the real poverty that exists in our world. Outside of Chandler, Arizona, right outside of our Valley. And man, you come back, you're pumped to do the other three because you're all in at that point." [39:01] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "In the culture that we live in, we are, you know, pressured every single day to bow down to certain idols. In fact, that's what this story is all about. I hope it will encourage you. These three young men from Judah taken captive behind enemy lines, pressured to conform to the ways of Babylon. How are they going to survive in a culture just like ours? That's growing increasingly hostile to their faith in God. We live kind of in a modern day Babylon, right? Where there's pressures every day to conform to the culture." [40:18] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Do you really think that the right policies and the right procedures and the right politicians can actually do something about the emptiness and the brokenness that's caused by sin in the world? Well, if you don't, then why do we put our trust and our hope in the right policies and the right procedures and the right politicians? If our trust really is only good when it's put in God." [43:11] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Our God is able to save us from the furnace. He is able to rescue us from danger. He is able, O king. To deliver us from your hand, our God is able. I don't know if we could spend enough time talking about this one truth. We could spend the rest of the time just talking about this one thing, this eternal perspective that the God you and I serve, the one we worship right here in this place on the weekend, our God is able." [50:14] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Our God is able to rescue us, oh king. He can deliver us from your hand, but even if he does not, wow. Don't be deceived, oh king. Our God can rescue us still. The God who drowned Pharaoh's armies, the God who crashed Jericho's walls, the God who dropped the giant Goliath with a single stone, our God has lost none of his strength. Don't be deceived, oh king. In face of our worst case scenario, our God can rescue us still, but even if he does not." [53:29] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "God delivered Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the furnace, not from the furnace. Did you notice that? You see the difference? He delivered them in the furnace, not from the furnace. And I'm sure they prayed and they hoped to be delivered from the furnace, and that's okay to pray a prayer like that. But God decided to deliver them in the furnace. And sometimes, you know, when we're all in a panic and we're worried, and we're asking God, please deliver us, Lord. Sometimes he will deliver us from the furnace, but sometimes God chooses to deliver his people in the furnace." [01:01:02] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "When you go through the fires in our culture, do you come out smelling like smoke? I mean like when that waitress first world problem doesn't get your food quick enough to your table? Like when that person cuts you off in traffic? When that business deal doesn't go like you like it? When somebody in a relationship is walking up to you, working with you, but then it falls apart. When somebody hurts you, when you don't kind of get the thing that you think should be your preference in a church, when your particular politician doesn't get elected. Friends, when you go through the fire and culture, do you come out smelling like smoke on the other side?" [01:06:04] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Either you believe that God is in control or you don't. And if you truly believe that God is in control, you can take a deep breath and you can calm your heart down and you can get off of your social media feed and you can start living with a hope and a confidence that puts your faith in him. No matter who's leading your country." [01:06:04] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "God didn't show up before they obeyed. God showed up after they obeyed. And sometimes we're folding our arms, waiting for God to show up before we do our part, but we need to obey and trust, or as we used to sing it, trust and obey." [01:08:06] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Stop asking for less heat, for an easier, richer, more pleasant, more secure life. There is something better. We're being called to a deeper devotion. So I want to ask you, pray a dangerous prayer. Pray a prayer that goes a little like this. God, give me an opportunity to show my full devotion for you. God, give me an opportunity to show my devotion to you. I don't ask primarily for comfort or riches or ease or security. God, I want to show my devotion for you." [01:11:59] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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