What happens to your faith when life gets difficult?

Daniel was taken from his home, placed in a culture that wanted to reshape his identity, and pressured to compromise his convictions. Yet Daniel didn’t escape Babylon, and he didn’t merely survive it. With God’s help, he thrived in it.

In Daniel 1, we see three truths for following Jesus when life gets hard: difficulty doesn’t negate God’s sovereignty, difficulty doesn’t determine your identity, and difficulty doesn’t demand hostility.

Whatever you’re facing, God is still working. You can live with conviction and kindness, trusting that your identity is secure in Him.

Scripture: Daniel 1

Series: Identity in Exile

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Phoenix Bible Church is a church in the heart of the city of Phoenix, Arizona. We desire to engage culture, uphold truth and love people. In a world where life can be heavy and confusing, we want to cover the hard truths - with grace. This is difficulty and messy - and so are we - but the love of Jesus meets us in our mess.

Our rhythm is to gather to worship on Sunday and then scatter during the week to love, live and lead together.

We are imperfect people moved by the perfect love of Jesus.

Come as you are. Experience His love.

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Chapters:

00:00 Pressure Can Produce Growth

01:19 Identity in Exile

03:59 Daniel 1:1–7

05:59 Three Truths About Difficulty

06:18 Difficulty Doesn’t Negate Sovereignty

07:00 The Historical Context of Daniel

11:03 God Works Through Difficulty

15:34 Daniel Doesn’t Escape Babylon

18:12 We Know How the Story Ends

20:31 Difficulty Doesn’t Determine Identity

22:42 Babylon Tries to Reshape Daniel

24:27 Daniel Resolved His Convictions

28:28 Remember Your Identity in Christ

29:36 Difficulty Doesn’t Demand Hostility

31:53 Conviction and Compassion

33:36 Kindness Can Change the World

38:02 A Life That Looks Different

39:50 Closing Prayer