Faith in The Midst: The Goal of the Trials

Matthew 14:33 KJV 1900

Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Key Doctrine:

Jesus is God incarnate. As such, He is the One we should worship and adore. Life’s trials—whether loss of loved ones, provision, or life’s storms—reveal His sufficiency as Savior and the ultimate goal of life.

Hook:

How do you respond when life’s trials threaten to overwhelm you? For the disciples in the storm, fear turned into worship as they realized who Jesus truly was. What if the goal of your trials is not just survival, but worship?

Application (to start):

When we face trials, it’s easy to ask, “Why is this happening?” Instead, what if we asked, “How can this draw me closer to Christ?”

Transition into the Message:

Matthew 14:33 captures a profound moment: the disciples bow in worship, declaring Jesus the Son of God. This wasn’t just a moment of relief—it was a moment of revelation. Everything they experienced in this chapter—the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus walking on water, the storm—all pointed to one goal: strengthening their faith and revealing who Jesus truly is. We are going to explore three ways trials work toward this goal.

Faith-Strengthening Exercises

Key Idea:

Trials aren’t meant to destroy us but to build our faith. Like the disciples, the storms of life reveal our need for Jesus and strengthen our trust in Him.

Matthew 14:30–31 KJV 1900

But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?

Illustration:

Stress can be beneficial. Without stress, muscles don’t grow stronger. Without challenges, we don’t develop endurance. In the same way, spiritual stress—our trials—can grow our faith if we trust God through them.

Application:

Think of a recent trial you’ve faced. How did it challenge your faith? Consider journaling how God sustained you, and let that be a reminder that trials are God’s tools for growth.

James 1:3 KJV 1900

Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

Friends Sharing Experiences

Key Idea:

Faith is meant to be shared. Jesus sent the disciples together across the sea, and their shared experience of His power strengthened their faith collectively.

Matthew 14:22 KJV 1900

And straightway Jesus constrained his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him unto the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

Illustration:

This Christmas we will hear a lot of different Christmas songs. One song you will hear is “Blue Christmas.” It highlights loneliness, but the reality is that in Christ, we are called to live in community. God designed the church to be a family that walks through storms together.

1 Corinthians 14:12 KJV 1900

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Application:

No church is perfect, but every church can reflect the perfection of Christ when we share our struggles and victories in Him. This week, take time to share a personal testimony of God’s faithfulness with someone in your church family.

Revealing The Son of God

Key Idea:

Trials reveal Jesus to us in ways we wouldn’t experience otherwise. The disciples worshiped Jesus as the Son of God because the storm showed them His authority and divinity.

Matthew 14:32–33 KJV 1900

And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

Illustration:

C.S. Lewis, once an atheist, encountered trials that led him to recognize God’s existence and trust in Christ. Similarly, many come to faith through moments of crisis when they realize their need for a Savior.

Application:

This Christmas, look for opportunities to share Christ with others. Creation, conscience, God’s Word, the Holy Spirit, and the church are all witnesses to Jesus. Use church events, family gatherings, or even a conversation with a neighbor to point someone to Jesus.

Conclusion:

Key Idea:

Jesus is God—not just in storms, but always. Yet, in His love, He uses trials to draw us closer to Him.

Romans 8:28 KJV 1900

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Application:

This Christmas, let the financial, emotional, mental, and familial storms remind you that the Son of God has the final authority. Rest in His unchanging love for you. Share that love in real ways:

• Financial stress? Bless someone in need.

• Emotional struggles? Reach out for prayer or offer support to a hurting friend.

• Family conflict? Seek reconciliation and show grace.

Final Challenge:

Take a moment now to reflect on how Jesus has revealed Himself to you through trials. Then, commit to worship Him by trusting Him more deeply, sharing His love more openly, and resting in His unchanging presence.