Daniel 6:10 (KJV)
“Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.”
Human Determination vs. Divine Faith
Throughout history, men and women have achieved great victories by sheer determination. One of the most famous examples is Michael Jordan.
As a high school sophomore, he was cut from the varsity basketball team. Instead of giving up, he used the setback to fuel his determination. Years later, he became a six-time NBA champion, five-time MVP, and arguably the greatest basketball player of all time.
Jordan once said:
“I have missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions I have been entrusted to take the game-winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life, and that’s precisely why I succeed.”
That’s resilience. That’s perseverance. And it’s powerful.
But as inspiring as human determination can be, it is still limited to the possible. What I’m talking about today is different. It’s not faith in ourselves, but unwavering faith in a God who can do anything.
Faith That Pleases God
The Bible makes it clear:
Hebrews 11:6 (KJV)
“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Every victorious story in Scripture shares one common ingredient: faith in God’s promises.
- Joseph overcame the pit, betrayal, temptation, and false accusations. Why? Because he believed in God’s promise.
- Moses trusted the God who spoke from a burning bush. That promise carried him through plagues, the Red Sea, and the desert.
- Caleb and Joshua saw the same giants as the other spies, but chose faith over fear. They believed God’s word: “He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”
Where others saw impossibility, they saw God’s strength. That’s unwavering faith.
Faith Sees Beyond Sight
Paul reminds us: “We walk by faith, not by sight.”
- Sight sees the strength of man.
- Faith sees the strength of God.
- Sight says “impossible.”
- Faith says “with God, all things are possible.”
That’s why Joshua and Caleb returned with a good report. That’s why Daniel stood strong in Babylon. That’s why Joseph endured until the dream was fulfilled.
God’s Promise: He Goes Before You
Deuteronomy 31:8 (KJV)
“And the Lord, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.”
When Joshua was about to lead Israel into the Promised Land, God reminded them: “I am not only with you, I have already gone before you.”
Unwavering faith declares: “God is not just with me—He has already prepared the way ahead of me.”
Daniel’s Example of Unwavering Faith
In Daniel 1:8, we saw him “purpose in his heart” not to defile himself. Years later in Daniel 6, his faith was tested again. The decree was signed—prayer to anyone but the king was forbidden. Yet Daniel continued to pray three times a day, as he always had.
- His past victories didn’t make him complacent.
- His new challenges didn’t make him waver.
- His God was not smaller just because the problem was bigger.
And even when faced with the lions’ den, Daniel’s faith carried him through what seemed impossible.
Tested Faith Produces Strength
James 1:2-4 (NLT) reminds us:
“When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”
Our faith will always be tested—not to destroy us, but to make us stronger. Like Daniel, Joseph, and Joshua, we must hold onto unwavering faith in a God who never fails.
Final Word
Unwavering faith is not about willpower or human grit. It’s about believing the promises of God when everything around you says otherwise.
- Faith says God can.
- Faith says God will.
- Faith says even if not, I will not bow.
Daniel overcame the lions. Joseph overcame betrayal. Joshua and Caleb overcame fear. And you can overcome too—through unwavering faith in God’s promises.
