Introduction

Good morning, church family. We're diving headfirst into Daniel 3:8-18 today, talking about Trusting Jesus in Tough Times, The Choice We Make, and posing the question: What Will You Do?

As we know, life isn't always a bed of roses. Sometimes it’s tough, it’s scary, it's downright intimidating. But we're not alone in this. Jesus is right there with us. He's got our back, no matter how dark it gets. As Charles Spurgeon, a celebrated preacher once said, "I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages."

Let's take a look at the scripture for today from Daniel 3:8-18 [read text].

Let's bow our heads for a prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, we thank you for another day to learn and grow in your word. As we delve into the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, we ask for understanding and wisdom. Help us, Lord, to trust you in our tough times, to make the choice to follow you no matter what, and to always do what brings glory to your name. We ask all these in Jesus' name, amen.

Transition – So, folks, let's dive into this topic and see what God is saying to us today.

Trusting Jesus in Tough Times

Trusting Jesus in tough times requires faith, courage, and a deep understanding of God's love for us. It's about believing that God is bigger than our problems, and that He has a plan for us even when we can't see it.

The story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego is a perfect example of this. These three men were faced with a terrifying situation. They were threatened with death if they didn't bow down and worship a golden idol. But they chose to trust God, even when it meant they might be thrown into a fiery furnace. They understood that their faith in God was more important than their fear of death. They knew that God was with them, even in the midst of their trials.

This kind of trust doesn't come easily. A. It requires a deep relationship with God. It requires spending time in His word, praying, and seeking His guidance. It requires a willingness to surrender our fears and doubts to Him, and to trust that He knows what's best for us.

B. Trusting Jesus in tough times also means recognizing that our understanding is limited. We can't see the big picture like God can. We don't know what the future holds, but God does. And He promises to work all things together for the good of those who love Him. So even when we don't understand why we're going through a difficult situation, we can trust that God is using it for our good and His glory.

C. But trust is not just about believing in God's power and wisdom. It's also about believing in His love for us. God loves us so much that He sent His only Son to die for us. He cares about every detail of our lives, and He wants to help us in our times of need. So when we're faced with tough times, we can trust that God is not only able, but also willing to help us.

D. Trusting Jesus in tough times also means choosing to focus on God instead of our problems. It's easy to get overwhelmed by our circumstances and to lose sight of God. But when we choose to focus on God, we're reminded of His power, His wisdom, and His love. We're reminded that He is bigger than our problems, and that He is with us in the midst of our trials.

Transition – Trusting Jesus in tough times is choosing to trust God each day, even when our circumstances don't change. It's choosing to believe in God's promises, even when we can't see them being fulfilled. It's choosing to hold onto hope, even when we're surrounded by despair.

The Choice We Make

The second point of our sermon today, "The Choice We Make," is a critical one ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO