Last week, we started a sermon series called Unshakable, looking at the book of Daniel. For those who missed it, let us give you a quick recap: King Nebuchadnezzar besieged Israel and took prisoners of war back to Babylon (modern-day Iraq). Among these were four young Hebrew boys, around 15 years old. They were taught the Babylonian culture, and their names were changed.

By Daniel Chapter 2 (Daniel is now around 20), Nebuchadnezzar has a disturbing dream. He demands that his astrologers, magicians, enchanters, and sorcerers tell him what he dreamt and then interpret it. They say it’s impossible, so the king orders the execution of all wise men. But Daniel steps in, revealing the dream and its meaning, giving all credit to God. Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God as the greatest of all gods and promotes Daniel and his friends.

Then, we arrive at Daniel Chapter 3 (Daniel and his friends are now around 30).

Scripture Reading: Daniel 3:1-18 (ESV)

King Nebuchadnezzar makes a golden image, about 90 feet tall and 9 feet wide, and orders everyone in the kingdom to worship it. He decrees that whoever does not fall down and worship will be thrown into a blazing furnace.

Even though Nebuchadnezzar previously acknowledged God in chapter 2, he now demands the worship of an idol. There’s a difference between acknowledging God and worshipping Him.

• Acknowledging God: “Thank God I landed safely.”
• Worshiping God: A surrendered life that is fully devoted to Him.

The Accusation Against the Hebrews (Daniel 3:8-12)

Certain Chaldeans (Babylonian officials) accuse Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego of refusing to worship the image. They tell the king, “These men don’t serve your gods.”

The King’s Rage and Their Response (Daniel 3:13-18)

Nebuchadnezzar, furious, gives them one last chance. But their response is profound:

Daniel 3:17-18 – “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us. But even if He does not, we will not serve your gods.”

They did not say, “God will prevent us from going into the fire.” Instead, they declared, “He is able.”

Three Types of Faith

1 . Saving Faith

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV) – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” We are saved by faith, not by works.

2 . Gift of Faith

1 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV) – “To another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit.” This is a supernatural gift where some people remain calm in crises because they trust in God’s control.

3 . Trusting / Unshakable Faith

Daniel 3:17-18 – Faith that focuses on God’s ability rather than the desired outcome.

Three Truths About Unshakable Faith

1 . Unshakable Faith Focuses on God’s Ability, Not on Our Desired Results

Faith is not about getting what we want but trusting that God is able.

2 . God Does Not Function According to Our Wishes, But According to His Will

Luke 22:42 – Jesus prays, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.”

Our will must align with God’s will. 1 John 5:14 tells us that when we pray according to His will, He hears us.

3 . Unshakable Faith is Defined by Our Relationship with God, Not the Outcome

Daniel 3:18 – “But even if He does not…”

Too many people lose faith because they didn’t get the result they wanted. But God is still God whether He says yes, no, or not now. Like a good parent, God sometimes says no because it is what’s best for us.

God’s Deliverance in the Fire (Daniel 3:19-30)

Nebuchadnezzar is furious and orders the furnace to be heated seven times hotter. The soldiers throwing the three men in are burned alive, but Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego remain unharmed.

Daniel 3:24-25 – “Did we not throw three men bound into the fire? But I see four men, unbound, walking in the fire! And the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

This is known as a Christophany, an Old Testament appearance of Jesus. Notice that Jesus does not stand outside the fire but is with them in the fire.

• Deuteronomy 31:6 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the LORD your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Also, notice what burned in the fire:

• The ropes that bound them were destroyed, but they remained unharmed.
• Some of us are going through trials that God is using to set us free from things that have bound us.

The King’s Change of Heart

Daniel 3:28-30 – Nebuchadnezzar praises the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and promotes them again. The same king who commanded everyone to worship the golden image now acknowledges the Most High God.

Closing Thoughts

Unshakable faith is not about getting the outcome we desire—it’s about trusting God no matter what. He is with us in the fire.

So today, ask yourself:

• Do I acknowledge God, or do I truly worship Him?
• Am I trusting Him even when He says no?
• Do I believe He is with me in the fire?

Let’s pray together, trusting that God is able. Amen.