Counterfeit faith based on convenience or negotiation, just like Jacob’s initially shallow faith (Genesis 28:20-22). He even vowed that if God gave him what he wanted, he would make the Lord his God and tithe accordingly. On the other hand, authentic faith grows when it is based on God and not circumstances. Job lost everything and yet continued to worship God and bless the name of the LORD (Job 1:21-22): “though He slay me, I will still hope (wait, trust) in Him” (Job 13:15). Jesus also displayed authentic faith as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, “… yet not as I will, but as You will” (Matthew 26:39). Counterfeit faith is not dependable, and God wants us to make sure that our faith is real. We are to grow in the grace and knowledge of who He is (2 Peter 3:18). 

CENTERED ON WHO GOD IS 

Faith does not exist in a vacuum. It always has an object. In Daniel 3:17-18, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego declared their faith in a delivering God. Their faith was not based on what they wanted from God but on God Himself. Real faith is anchored on who God is — His character, power, and goodness — not on feelings, circumstances, people, or leaders. God is good, and He knows what’s best for us. 

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that without faith, it is impossible to please God, and the verses that follow cite examples of faithful people such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Their faith in God allowed them to obey, submit, and follow His leading, even though they died without seeing His promise (v.13): the coming of the Messiah. On the other hand, we are privileged to have JESUS as the fulfillment of God’s promise! Therefore, we are to get rid of any encumbrance and sin and fix our eyes on Jesus as He perfects our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2)! 

TRIUMPHANT FAITH 

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego believed deliverance would come from God and pledged their faith to Him EVEN IF HE DOES NOT save them. This greatly angered Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:22 onwards). He sent them to burn the furnace — but they saw a fourth Man in the fire, and eventually, the three men came out unharmed!  Not even their hair or clothes smelled of smoke! 

Romans 8:28-32 shows us the foundation of a triumphant faith: God is on our side and His purpose is always good! When you go through the fire of life, Jesus goes with you. You emerge triumphant. Let us hold on to Jesus’ promises in Matthew 28:20: that He will be with His people always, EVEN TO THE END OF THE AGE.