Faith in Trials: Trusting God's Sovereignty

Devotional

Day 1: Trusting God Beyond Outcomes

Faith is not about expecting specific outcomes but about trusting God regardless of the results. The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us that their faith was in God's sovereignty, not in the certainty of their rescue. They were willing to face the fiery furnace, knowing that God could save them but also accepting that He might not. This is a profound lesson in maintaining faith even when the outcome is uncertain. Their unwavering trust in God, despite the potential for suffering, serves as a powerful example for us today. [55:31]

Daniel 3:17-18 (ESV): "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 in your life where the outcome is uncertain. How can you trust God in this situation, regardless of the result?

Day 2: Recognizing God in Miracles

Miracles in the Bible are meant to point us to God, not to the miraculous event itself. When King Nebuchadnezzar saw the fourth figure in the furnace, he recognized the power of God. This teaches us to see God's hand in our lives and to give Him the glory for the miracles we experience. It's easy to get caught up in the wonder of the miracle itself, but the true purpose is to draw our attention to God's presence and power. By focusing on God rather than the miracle, we deepen our relationship with Him and grow in our faith. [57:28]

Psalm 77:14 (ESV): "You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent event in your life that you consider miraculous. How can you give God the glory for this event and recognize His presence in it?

Day 3: The Dangers of Idolatry

The book of Daniel emphasizes the dangers of idolatry and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar's demand for worship of the golden statue was a form of idolatry, and the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to comply highlights their unwavering commitment to God. Idolatry can take many forms in our lives today, from material possessions to personal ambitions. Recognizing and rejecting these idols is crucial to maintaining our devotion to God and acknowledging His ultimate authority over our lives. [46:18]

1 John 5:21 (ESV): "Little children, keep yourselves from idols."

Reflection: Identify something in your life that might be taking the place of God. How can you refocus your heart and mind to prioritize your relationship with Him?

Day 4: God's Presence in Our Trials

The presence of a fourth figure in the furnace symbolizes God's presence with us in our trials. This story reassures us that God is with us, even in the most challenging circumstances, and that His presence is a source of comfort and strength. Knowing that God is with us can provide the courage and peace we need to face our difficulties. It reminds us that we are never alone and that God's love and support are constant, even when we cannot see a way out of our struggles. [51:24]

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: Think about a current trial you are facing. How can you remind yourself of God's presence and draw strength from Him during this time?

Day 5: The Art of Faith

Faith should be seen as an art rather than a science. There is no formula for achieving faith; it is about cultivating a relationship with God. This perspective encourages us to focus on our daily walk with God, trusting Him in every aspect of our lives. Faith is dynamic and personal, requiring ongoing effort and attention. By viewing faith as an art, we can appreciate the beauty and complexity of our spiritual journey, embracing the uncertainties and trusting in God's guidance. [59:08]

Hebrews 11:1 (ESV): "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen."

Reflection: Consider your daily spiritual practices. How can you approach your faith as an art, focusing on your relationship with God rather than a set of rules or expectations?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Good morning, everyone. Today, we gathered to worship and celebrate a special occasion—Rachel Rudloff's baptism. Through the sacrament of baptism, we are reminded of our initiation into Christ's holy church and God's mighty acts of salvation. Rachel's commitment to renounce evil and accept Jesus Christ as her Savior is a testament to the transformative power of faith. As a congregation, we reaffirmed our commitment to support her in her spiritual journey.

Our scripture reading today was from the book of Daniel, focusing on the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace. This story is often misunderstood, with people either idolizing the heroic faith of these men or trying to decode the apocalyptic language. However, the central theme of the book of Daniel is about idolatry and recognizing God's sovereignty. The story of the fiery furnace is not about the miraculous escape but about the unwavering faith of these men, who trusted God regardless of the outcome.

The artwork we discussed today, "Fiery Furnace" by Alan Hicks, beautifully captures this story. The depiction of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego as African-Americans resonates deeply with the African-American community, drawing parallels between their historical struggles and the trials faced by these biblical figures. The presence of a fourth figure, resembling a god, in the furnace symbolizes God's constant presence with us in our trials.

The key takeaway from today's message is that faith is not about achieving specific results but about maintaining a relationship with God. Miracles point to God, not to the act itself. The story of the fiery furnace teaches us that God is with us in our struggles, even if we are not saved from them. Our faith should be an art, not a science, focusing on our relationship with God rather than a formulaic approach to spirituality.

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Key Takeaways

1. Faith Over Results: The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teaches us that faith is not about expecting specific outcomes but about trusting God regardless of the results. Their faith was in God's sovereignty, not in the certainty of their rescue. This is a profound lesson in maintaining faith even when the outcome is uncertain. [55:31]
2. Miracles Point to God: Miracles in the Bible are meant to point us to God, not to the miraculous event itself. When King Nebuchadnezzar saw the fourth figure in the furnace, he recognized the power of God. This teaches us to see God's hand in our lives and to give Him the glory for the miracles we experience. [57:28]
3. Idolatry and Sovereignty: The book of Daniel emphasizes the dangers of idolatry and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar's demand for worship of the golden statue was a form of idolatry, and the refusal of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to comply highlights their unwavering commitment to God. [46:18]
4. God's Presence in Trials: The presence of a fourth figure in the furnace symbolizes God's presence with us in our trials. This story reassures us that God is with us, even in the most challenging circumstances, and that His presence is a source of comfort and strength. [51:24]
5. The Art of Faith: Faith should be seen as an art rather than a science. There is no formula for achieving faith; it is about cultivating a relationship with God. This perspective encourages us to focus on our daily walk with God, trusting Him in every aspect of our lives. [59:08]
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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[06:46] - Announcements
[10:43] - Opening Prayer
[18:02] - Baptism of Rachel Rudloff
[41:55] - Scripture Reading: Book of Daniel
[42:45] - Introduction to the Sermon
[45:02] - Common Mistakes in Reading Daniel
[46:18] - Main Theme: Idolatry
[47:36] - Artwork: "Fiery Furnace" by Alan Hicks
[50:30] - African-American Theological Perspective
[54:08] - Story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
[55:31] - Faith Over Results
[57:28] - Miracles Point to God
[59:08] - The Art of Faith
[63:56] - Closing Hymn and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Daniel 3:16-18 (NRSV) — > Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to present a defense to you in this matter. If our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace of blazing fire and out of your hand, O king, let him deliver us. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods and we will not worship the golden statue that you have set up."

2. Isaiah 43:2 (NRSV)
> 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.

3. Matthew 28:20b (NRSV)
> And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.

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Observation Questions

What was the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to King Nebuchadnezzar's demand to worship the golden statue? (Daniel 3:16-18)
How does the presence of a fourth figure in the fiery furnace symbolize God's presence in our trials? [51:24]
What is the significance of the artwork "Fiery Furnace" by Alan Hicks in relation to the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego? [49:42]
How does the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego challenge the common understanding of faith as expecting specific outcomes? [55:31]

Interpretation Questions

What does the unwavering faith of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego teach us about trusting God regardless of the outcome? [55:31]
How does the story of the fiery furnace illustrate the concept that miracles point to God rather than the miraculous event itself? [57:28]
In what ways does the book of Daniel emphasize the dangers of idolatry and the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty? [46:18]
How can viewing faith as an art rather than a science change our approach to our relationship with God? [59:08]

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you faced a difficult situation. How did your faith in God help you navigate through it, even if the outcome was uncertain? [55:31]
How can you shift your focus from seeking specific results in your faith journey to cultivating a deeper relationship with God? [59:08]
Think about a recent experience where you witnessed a miracle or a significant event. How did you see God's hand in it, and how did you give Him the glory? [57:28]
In what ways can you identify and resist modern forms of idolatry in your life, similar to how Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego resisted worshiping the golden statue? [46:18]
How can you be more aware of God's presence in your daily struggles and challenges, drawing comfort and strength from His constant companionship? [51:24]
Consider your current approach to faith. What steps can you take to view it more as an art, focusing on your relationship with God rather than a formulaic approach? [59:08]
How can the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego inspire you to stand firm in your faith, even when faced with societal pressures or personal trials? [55:31]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Through the sacrament of baptism, we are initiated into Christ's holy church. We are incorporated into God's mighty acts of salvation and given new birth through water and the spirit. All of this is God's gift offered to us without price." [18:02] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The story of the fiery furnace is one that says no matter where we are, God will be with us. Call the series The Art of Faith. And yes, we're using artwork as part of it, but I want to call out the difference between the art of faith and the science of faith." [59:08] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "This is the definition of faith, brothers and sisters. It's not about results. It's about the relationship that we have with God. And that is the faith that the friends of Daniel are living out in this story." [55:31] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The theme is that God is real, that those other idols where you think there is power, they have none. If you're looking for power, God calls you to give it up, to give it away. If you're looking to have what you want, remember that's your desire. And God calls for you to give that up too." [57:28] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "I was telling Rachel before the service today, this is not just something that she enters into with God, it's something that we enter into with her and with God together." [19:34] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We will surround Rachel with a community of love and forgiveness that she may grow in her trust of God and be found faithful in her service to others. We will pray for her that she may be true disciple who walks in the way that leads to life." [20:25] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "This is not a story about results. This is a story about relationship. This is the definition of faith, brothers and sisters. It's not about results. It's about the relationship that we have with God. And that is the faith that the friends of Daniel are living out in this story." [55:31] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The story of the fiery furnace is one that says no matter where we are, God will be with us. Call the series The Art of Faith. And yes, we're using artwork as part of it, but I want to call out the difference between the art of faith and the science of faith." [59:08] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "So I encourage you, read the book of Daniel. Look for the ways that idolatry is represented and the way that it is used. Don't worry about decoding it, trying to make it make sense. I don't think you'll find that. If you do, let me know. I'd love to learn more, but know this is a story about God being with us, God being faithful to us as we walk in our lives of faith together." [01:03:56] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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