Dare to Be Different

Unwavering Faith
A Commitment to Believing God to Do Great Things Even When They Seem Impossible

Dare to Be Different: 5 Keys to Living Boldly from the Fiery Furnace – Sermon 3
Scripture: Daniel 3:17a – “Our God is able to deliver us.”

Overview

In today’s message, we explore Unwavering Faith—the confident, expectant belief that God will move on our behalf. Unwavering Faith is not wishful thinking or a vague hope; it is complete assurance that our God is both able and willing to deliver us when we live according to His Word and put Him first.

I. Introduction: Confidence in God’s Power

• Recap of Previous Keys:

  • Unbreakable Conviction: The Hebrew children stood firm in God’s truth no matter what.

  • Undeterred Loyalty: They chose to honor God first, regardless of the cost.

• Today’s Focus – Unwavering Faith:

  • Believing with absolute certainty that God will act.

• Illustration:

  • A child confidently asking a parent for something needed—no hesitation, only trust.

• Key Point:

  • Faith is the assurance that God is both able and WILL deliver us!

II. Faith Declares God’s Ability

• Key Scripture:

  • Daniel 3:17a – “Our God is able to deliver us.”

• What This Means:

  • Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego made a bold declaration even under threat of a fiery death.

  • They knew who God was and spoke with unwavering confidence.

• Illustrative Example:

  • The woman with the issue of blood (Mark 5:28) declared, “If I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.”

    • Her declaration was made with absolute certainty.

• Modern Illustration:

  • Imagine Elon Musk calling and writing you a check so huge that you’re tempted to doubt it—if you trust the source, you wouldn’t hesitate.

• Application:

  • Reflect: In what area of your life are you holding back?

  • Challenge: Begin each day by declaring, “My God is able!”

III. Faith Expects God’s Intervention

• Key Scripture:

  • Hebrews 11:1 – “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

• Understanding Expectation in Faith:

  • True faith isn’t passive; it actively anticipates God’s move.

• Example:

  • Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52):

    • Despite his blindness, he expected Jesus to heal him and persistently cried out.

• Illustration:

  • Picture a child eagerly waiting at the door for a promised gift—full of expectation, no doubt.

• Key Truth:

  • Faith doesn’t just ask; it anticipates that God is already at work.

• Application:

  • As you pray, hold fast to the expectation that God is moving in your situation.

IV. Faith Acts to See God’s Power Manifested

• Biblical Evidence:

  • In Daniel 3:25, King Nebuchadnezzar observed, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire.”

    • God not only rescued them but manifested His power by appearing in the fire.

• Example:

  • Peter Walking on Water (Matthew 14:29):

    • Peter stepped out of the boat in faith and walked on water.

• Illustration:

  • Think of a lamp: when you flip the switch, the lamp lights up—faith is that switch that activates God’s power.

• Key Truth:

  • When we act in unwavering faith, we position ourselves to witness the supernatural.

• Application:

  • Identify a miracle you are believing for today. Stand firm and watch how God’s power is made manifest in your life.

V. Habits of the Hebrew Children in Unwavering Faith

1. Declared the Power of God:

   • They not only believed in their hearts, but they spoke it out loud—just like the woman with the issue of blood.

2. Practiced Privately What They Declared Publicly:

   • Daniel prayed three times a day, reinforcing his public declaration with consistent private devotion.

3. Stood Together Encouraging One Another:

   • Like a cord of three strands (Ecclesiastes 4:12), they supported one another, creating an unbreakable bond of faith.

VI. Final Challenge and Call to Action

• Summary of Key Points:

  • Unwavering Faith declares God’s ability.

  • It expects and anticipates God’s intervention.

  • It is active—resulting in the manifestation of God’s power.

• Challenge for the Week:

  • Pray boldly and declare, “My God is ABLE!” over every challenge you face.

  • Stand in faith and be ready to witness God’s supernatural work in your life.

• Remember:

  • Align yourself with God’s blessings by honoring Him, knowing that “God will honor those who honor Him.”

VII. Closing Prayer

“Lord, we come before You with unwavering faith, believing with complete confidence that You are able to deliver us. Strengthen our hearts to trust You completely, to speak boldly of Your power, and to anticipate Your intervention in every situation we face. May our lives be a testament to Your miraculous power, and may we honor You by living out our faith boldly. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

Keep this handout as a reminder throughout your week. May it inspire you to live boldly, speak your faith confidently, and watch in awe as our mighty God moves in your life. Dare to be different by standing in unwavering faith!