Unshakeable Faith
Unshakeable Faith
Ultimatum:
A final demand or condition—if it’s not met, there will be consequences like retaliation or a breakdown in the relationship.
Ultimatums arise when power is imbalanced.
They often sound like this:
Ultimatums are pressure points that expose who’s trying to control the outcome.
Now look at Daniel and his friends.
They’re dealing with a king who only knows how to lead by ultimatum:
The king uses threats, not reason.
Daniel 1:10
10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
Daniel 2:5 (a)
. . . “My decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap
Daniel 3:6
6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
Daniel 3:1-30
1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald cried [b]aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
7 So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Daniel’s Friends Disobey the King
8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 9 They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Saved in Fiery Trial
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s command was [c]urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”
They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. 27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.
28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel[g] and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.
Daniel 3:6
6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
A final demand or condition—if it’s not met, there will be consequences like retaliation or a breakdown in the relationship.
Ultimatums arise when power is imbalanced.
They often sound like this:
- The Boss: “If you don’t do this… then we’ll have to take action.”
- The Boyfriend/Girlfriend: “If you don’t change… I’m done.”
- The Husband/Wife: “If you do that again… I’m leaving.”
Ultimatums are pressure points that expose who’s trying to control the outcome.
Now look at Daniel and his friends.
They’re dealing with a king who only knows how to lead by ultimatum:
"If you don’t do what I say… you die."
The king uses threats, not reason.
Daniel 1:10
10 And the chief of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the young men who are your age? Then you would endanger my head before the king.”
Daniel 2:5 (a)
. . . “My decision is firm: if you do not make known the dream to me, and its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made an ash heap
Daniel 3:6
6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
Daniel 3:1-30
1 Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits and its width six cubits. He set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 And King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to gather together the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 So the satraps, the administrators, the governors, the counselors, the treasurers, the judges, the magistrates, and all the officials of the provinces gathered together for the dedication of the image that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald cried [b]aloud: “To you it is commanded, O peoples, nations, and languages, 5 that at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, you shall fall down and worship the gold image that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up; 6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
7 So at that time, when all the people heard the sound of the horn, flute, harp, and lyre, in symphony with all kinds of music, all the people, nations, and languages fell down and worshiped the gold image which King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
Daniel’s Friends Disobey the King
8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came forward and accused the Jews. 9 They spoke and said to King Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that everyone who hears the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the gold image; 11 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego; these men, O king, have not paid due regard to you. They do not serve your gods or worship the gold image which you have set up.”
13 Then Nebuchadnezzar, in rage and fury, gave the command to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. So they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying to them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the gold image which I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready at the time you hear the sound of the horn, flute, harp, lyre, and psaltery, in symphony with all kinds of music, and you fall down and worship the image which I have made, good! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who will deliver you from my hands?”
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
Saved in Fiery Trial
19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. He spoke and commanded that they heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded certain mighty men of valor who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, their turbans, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s command was [c]urgent, and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flame of the fire killed those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.
24 Then King Nebuchadnezzar was astonished; and he rose in haste and spoke, saying to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?”
They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.”
25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Nebuchadnezzar Praises God
26 Then Nebuchadnezzar went near the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke, saying, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego came from the midst of the fire. 27 And the satraps, administrators, governors, and the king’s counselors gathered together, and they saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power; the hair of their head was not singed nor were their garments affected, and the smell of fire was not on them.
28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel[g] and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”
30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.
Daniel 3:6
6 and whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast immediately into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.”
Big Idea: In a world full of ultimatums, we need believers who walk by faith—not just those who talk about it.
1. Stand Tall When Tempted
Daniel 3:16-17
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
These young men looked a furious king in the face and chose faith over fear.
They didn’t stand because they were strong.
They stood because they trusted in a strong God.
Dads, Let Me Talk to You for a Moment…
The kind of courage we need today isn’t just physical toughness—
—it’s spiritual boldness to stand for what’s right, even when it’s not popular or easy.
True strength doesn’t come from your hands—it comes from your heart.
And courage? It’s not something you manufacture.
It’s something that’s anchored in God.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego didn’t waver when the pressure was on.
Dads, real courage doesn’t mean you’re never afraid.
It means you stand firm anyway.
Daniel 3:17 “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us…”
When the world bows to compromise, dads who stand in faith shape a legacy their kids will never forget.
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Courage isn’t just about standing tall—
—it’s about knowing you’re not standing alone.
16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. 17 If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king.
These young men looked a furious king in the face and chose faith over fear.
- They didn’t flinch.
- They didn’t fold.
- They didn’t run.
- They stood firm.
They didn’t stand because they were strong.
They stood because they trusted in a strong God.
Dads, Let Me Talk to You for a Moment…
The kind of courage we need today isn’t just physical toughness—
—it’s spiritual boldness to stand for what’s right, even when it’s not popular or easy.
True strength doesn’t come from your hands—it comes from your heart.
And courage? It’s not something you manufacture.
It’s something that’s anchored in God.
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego didn’t waver when the pressure was on.
Dads, real courage doesn’t mean you’re never afraid.
It means you stand firm anyway.
Daniel 3:17 “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us…”
When the world bows to compromise, dads who stand in faith shape a legacy their kids will never forget.
1 Corinthians 16:13
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
Courage isn’t just about standing tall—
—it’s about knowing you’re not standing alone.
2. Stand Tall While Tested
Daniel 3:25
25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Here’s the powerful truth:
God didn’t remove the furnace—He walked in it.
He didn’t prevent the fire, but He showed up in the flames.
You are not alone in your trials.
Jesus is right there with you—in the middle of the heat, in every challenge you face.
God may not always keep you from the fire,
but He will always meet you in the fire.
Dads, Can I Talk to You Again?
Your family doesn’t need a flawless father—they need a faithful one.
They don’t need you to be perfect—
—they need you to be present and trusting the One who never leaves your side.
Isaiah 43:2–3
“When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God…”
God’s presence gives peace in the fire—
but what happens when the outcome doesn’t change?
That’s when real faith shows up.
True Faith
It’s not measured by what we receive—
—it’s revealed by what we refuse to give up.
Even when things don’t turn out like we hoped,
faith stands tall, because we trust the One who stands with us.
25 “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
Here’s the powerful truth:
God didn’t remove the furnace—He walked in it.
He didn’t prevent the fire, but He showed up in the flames.
You are not alone in your trials.
Jesus is right there with you—in the middle of the heat, in every challenge you face.
God may not always keep you from the fire,
but He will always meet you in the fire.
Dads, Can I Talk to You Again?
Your family doesn’t need a flawless father—they need a faithful one.
They don’t need you to be perfect—
—they need you to be present and trusting the One who never leaves your side.
Isaiah 43:2–3
“When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God…”
God’s presence gives peace in the fire—
but what happens when the outcome doesn’t change?
That’s when real faith shows up.
True Faith
It’s not measured by what we receive—
—it’s revealed by what we refuse to give up.
Even when things don’t turn out like we hoped,
faith stands tall, because we trust the One who stands with us.
3. Stand Tall Winning Tested
Daniel 3:28-30
28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.
Here’s the twist: The real test wasn’t just in the fire… it was in the win.
And they passed both.
What Was Their Last Word Going Into the Fire?
Daniel 3:16–18
The king didn’t praise the men—
he praised their God.
Daniel 3:28-29
28 “...Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego... 29 ...there is no other God who can deliver like this..."
Their faith under fire turned the king’s heart toward heaven.
Our Testing Brings God Glory
Dads, Lean In Again
It’s not just about how you talk—
—it’s how you walk.
These three men didn’t come out of the fire bragging:
“No ‘We won! We won!’ No ‘In your face!’”
They let God’s power speak for itself.
It’s not just about what you protect your family from—
—it’s about how you lead when you’re in the fire… and how you respond when God brings you out.
Your Faith Doesn’t Just Survive the Fire—It Inspires In It.
Challenge for the Week:
Be a dad who stands tall in a world full of ultimatums.
Be a dad who…
✅ Prays bold prayers
✅ Stands firm under pressure
✅ Reflects God’s presence
✅ Gives God the glory
Your family doesn’t need you to have all the answers—
They need:
– Your presence
– Your protection
– Your courage
The kind that comes from knowing God is with you—even when the fire is hot.
28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke, saying, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego, who sent His Angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him, and they have frustrated the king’s word, and yielded their bodies, that they should not serve nor worship any god except their own God! 29 Therefore I make a decree that any people, nation, or language which speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made an ash heap; because there is no other God who can deliver like this.”30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in the province of Babylon.
Here’s the twist: The real test wasn’t just in the fire… it was in the win.
And they passed both.
What Was Their Last Word Going Into the Fire?
Daniel 3:16–18
We have no need to answer you in this matter…
Our God is able to deliver us…
But even if He does not—we will not bow.
The king didn’t praise the men—
he praised their God.
Daniel 3:28-29
28 “...Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego... 29 ...there is no other God who can deliver like this..."
Their faith under fire turned the king’s heart toward heaven.
Our Testing Brings God Glory
James 1:2
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials
Dads, Lean In Again
It’s not just about how you talk—
—it’s how you walk.
These three men didn’t come out of the fire bragging:
“No ‘We won! We won!’ No ‘In your face!’”
They let God’s power speak for itself.
It’s not just about what you protect your family from—
—it’s about how you lead when you’re in the fire… and how you respond when God brings you out.
Your Faith Doesn’t Just Survive the Fire—It Inspires In It.
Challenge for the Week:
Be a dad who stands tall in a world full of ultimatums.
Be a dad who…
✅ Prays bold prayers
✅ Stands firm under pressure
✅ Reflects God’s presence
✅ Gives God the glory
Your family doesn’t need you to have all the answers—
They need:
– Your presence
– Your protection
– Your courage
The kind that comes from knowing God is with you—even when the fire is hot.
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