The Storm, The Trial and the Need - Building Faith.
Notes
Transcript
Title: The Storm, The Trial and the Need - Building Faith.
Big Idea: Throughout Scripture, God released the gift of faith through individuals at pivotal moments. These weren't just courageous acts—they were Spirit-empowered responses to God's Word and nature. This study helps us recognize, grow in, and respond to this supernatural gift.
Seems to be three categories where we need faith.
The Storm
circumstance, situation with thing are not working out
out of no where
a death, sickness, need of surgery
The Trial
test
The Need (deficit that you can’t meet)
finance
The Storm – Faith Over Evidence
Text: Acts 27:21–25
Summary: While others panicked in a deadly storm, Paul declared, “I believe God.” He wasn't basing his confidence on circumstances, but on divine revelation. The gift of faith enables us to stand firm when everything else is breaking apart.
Key Insight: The gift of faith believes what God said more than what man sees.
Discussion Questions:
What do you think the others on the ship were feeling at that moment?
What does Paul’s declaration teach us about the source of real peace?
How does this story challenge our tendency to trust what we see?
Have you ever had to believe God in the middle of chaos? What happened?
Group Reflection:
Where in our lives (or community) do we need to stop reacting to the storm and start declaring the promises of God?
How can we grow in hearing God’s voice so we can stand firm in faith like Paul?
Verse 26: storms serve a purpose!
FAITH OVER EVIDENCE
Prayer Focus:
Pray for supernatural peace for those facing storms.
Ask God to increase discernment of His voice and promises.
Trial, The Fiery Furnace – Faith Beyond Outcome
Text: Daniel 3:17–18
Summary: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were confident God could deliver them—but they refused to bow even if He didn’t. This is the gift of faith in its purest form: faith in God’s character, not just in what He can do.
Key Insight: The gift of faith isn’t just belief for deliverance—it’s trust in God, no matter the outcome.
Discussion Questions:
What strikes you most about their response to King Nebuchadnezzar?
Why is it important to trust God even when He doesn’t respond the way we want?
How does this story expose the difference between faith and presumption?
Have you ever had to trust God when the outcome was uncertain—or painful?
Group Reflection:
What would it look like to live with a “but if not” kind of faith?
Are there idols (approval, comfort, security) we are tempted to bow to in times of pressure?
What are those idols?
FAITH BEYOND OUTCOME
Prayer Focus:
Pray for unshakable trust in God’s goodness.
Ask God to purify the group’s faith from outcome-based expectations.
The Need, Elijah and the Widow – Faith that Initiates Provision
Text: 1 Kings 17:13–16
Summary: Elijah told a starving widow to feed him first (God first rule), promising God would provide. It was a bold, faith declaration that unlocked a miracle. The gift of faith often speaks before it sees, initiating God’s provision through obedience and declaration.
Key Insight:The gift of faith often initiates God’s provision—speaking it before it’s seen.
Discussion Questions:
What would have gone through your mind if you were the widow?
What does this story show about the relationship between faith and obedience?
Why is it sometimes hard to act before seeing results?
Have you experienced a moment where obedience preceded provision?
Group Reflection:
Are there areas in our lives where God is asking for action before provision?
How might God want to use our faith to unlock provision for others?
FAITH FOR PROVISION
Prayer Focus:
Pray for boldness to act in faith.
Ask God to help the group see lack as a platform for His provision.
Final Group Challenge (Optional 4th Week or Closing Session)
Theme: Faith for Today
Review all three stories.
Invite personal testimonies from the group about faith moments.
Discuss current challenges where the group needs to declare faith together.
Pray corporately for those needing a supernatural gift of faith.
Why the storm, trial or need?
All things work together for the good!
2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.
15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
28 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.
