EVEN WHEN OUR FAITHFULNESS IS RISKY, GOD IS ABLE TO DELIVER US.

SCRIPTURE | Daniel 3:4-6,14-18,24-29

CENTRAL TRUTH

The truth is that we don’t follow a “god” who leaves, who forgets, who doesn’t care. We follow the Lord who sees us, who walks with us, who even weeps with us. We follow the Lord who works even our pain and suffering for His glory and for our good—knowing Him and making Him known.

KEY QUESTION

WHY DO WE DOUBT GOD IF HE ALLOWS US TO REMAIN IN THE FIRE—STRUGGLES, PAIN, OR SUFFERING?

HOW CAN WE TRUST HIM “EVEN IF” (V. 18) WE SUFFER?

KEEP IN MIND

It matters greatly that our students have a right understanding of who God is. Knowing God is real, He created all things, and He sent Jesus to save us from our sin are important foundational truths for sure. But, if this is all they know about God, then they may be vulnerable when life hurts. In fact, the reason so many believers fail to stand boldly is because they know so little about God beyond these basic truths. Here’s why it’s so important for our students to have a good understanding of God’s character: When they know God and understand His good character, then they’ll never imagine not trusting Him. When they know God intimately, then they’ll live boldly and courageously. Why? Because His character is unfailing. He is steady, unchanged by our circumstances. When students know Him—really know Him—they’ll be able to endure pain and loss yet remain faithful. Their circumstances, even when they hurt, will only drive students toward God and not away from Him.

APPLICATION

READ 3:19-23. HOW CAN YOU STAND FOR GOD WHEN YOU ALSO STAND TO LOSE SOMETHING IN THE PROCESS?

THE WIN

FOR THE STUDENT: Students must remember God is worthy of their trust. Why? Because He worked through all of human history to bring us a Savior. Encourage students to look back at His faithfulness and know He will be faithful moving forward. Encourage them to lean on others who are walking the same way. Most importantly, they can lean on Jesus because He walks with them through the power of the Holy Spirit.

FOR THE LEADER: We will lose worldly comforts for following Jesus (Matt. 10:16-24). Even if God allows us to remain in the fire and even if we lose our lives, we can trust Him because His character—His absolute goodness—never changes.