Week_2 “God’s Presence in Our Trials”

Father’s Day Adaptation: “God’s Presence in Our Trials”

Series: Overcoming Trials and Temptations Week 2 — August 10 Main Verse: Isaiah 43:2 (NLT)

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”

Special Father’s Day Welcome (1–2 minutes)

Today we honor fathers, grandfathers, stepdads, foster dads, spiritual fathers, mentors, coaches, and father-figures who stand in the gap.

- We also want to recognize that this day is complex for many:

Those who have lost a father or a child

Those who long to be dads

Those carrying wounds from a father who wasn’t present or safe

Single moms who carry double duty

Wherever you are in that spectrum, your Heavenly Father sees you. Today’s message—God’s presence in our trials—is for every heart in the room.

Father’s Day Blessing (brief)

To dads: May God strengthen your hands and soothe your heart.

To those grieving or longing: May the Father of mercies draw near.

To spiritual fathers: May your legacy outlast your lifetime.

To families: May your home be a refuge of God’s presence.

⭐ The Star Moment—Opening (First Minute)

Imagine the scariest storm you’ve ever faced.

Perhaps you were a child listening to thunder or an adult facing a diagnosis, job loss, or a broken relationship.

Now picture a strong, steady hand taking yours—a presence beside you that says, “You’re going to make it.”

On this Father’s Day, we remember: our God is not distant.

He is a Father who draws close in the dark, sits with us in the waiting room, stands with us at the graveside, holds us when we feel like we’re going under.

Today, we’re discovering the difference it makes when the Father is with us—not just in the calm, but in the chaos.

And it might change how you see every storm you face, and how you show up as a father, a parent, or a friend.

Introduction

A few years ago, I walked through a season when everything seemed to fall apart. My dad passed away.

I asked, “God, are You even here?” Over time, I learned: my feelings didn’t change His presence.

C. S. Lewis once wrote,

“God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains.”

Trials don’t prove God’s absence; they often amplify His presence.

Isaiah 43:2 doesn’t promise the absence of waters or fire—it promises a Presence that does not fail.

On Father’s Day, many of us think about presence.

The best fathers aren’t perfect—they’re present.

And the best news of the gospel is this: even where human fathers fail or fall short, God our Father never does.

He is Immanuel—God with us.

Pastoral note:

If the word “father” is hard for you, Jesus shows us a better Father. He called God “Abba” (Mark 14:36), an intimate word of trust in His darkest hour. You can, too.

Mark 14:36 NIV

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

Main Point 1: God’s Presence Is Not Dependent on Our Circumstances

Scripture: Psalm 23:4 (NLT)“Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.”

Psalm 23:4 NIV

Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Context & Word Insight

“Darkest valley” in Hebrew is tsalmaveth—“deep shadow,” “death-shadow.” This is worst-case territory.

Yet the key phrase is “you are close beside me.”

Presence, not distance.

Father’s Day Connection

Great dads don’t promise a life without storms; they promise not to leave during storms.

Even if your father wasn’t that presence, your Heavenly Father is.

He doesn’t outsource your care.

Biblical Support & Commentary

Matthew Henry observed that a child of God may walk in darkness, but never without his God.

David wrote this after real enemies and real danger. God’s nearness was not theory—it was oxygen.

Example

Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6): God didn’t keep him from the den; He kept him in the den.

Illustration: Presence Regulates Fear

Research consistently shows that the presence of a supportive person can reduce stress responses. Humans are wired to calm down when we’re not alone.

How much more when the One with us is the Almighty Father?

Awe

Corrie ten Boom said, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”

Corrie’s father once told her, “When do I give you the train ticket? Just before you get on.” In the same way, the Father gives strength when you need it.

Reflective Question

Where do you need to acknowledge the darkness and also say, “I am not alone—my Father is with me”?

Main Point 2: God Uses Our Trials to Reveal Himself

Scripture: Exodus 3:12 (NLT)12God answered, “I will be with you. And this is your sign that I am the one who has sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God at this very mountain.”

Context & Word Insight

Moses wrestles with calling; God doesn’t give a map—He gives Himself.

Hebrew: ’ehyeh ’immak—“I AM with you. YHWH is the root of “I AM.” God isn’t only giving presence; He is Presence.

Father’s Day Connection

Many dads feel the pressure to have all the answers. God shows a better way: your family needs your presence more than your perfection.

When you don’t know “how,” model Moses: lean into “Who” is with you.

Biblical Support

Warren Wiersbe noted: God doesn’t always give explanations; He gives promises.

In Daniel 3, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego met God in the fire—“a fourth man” walked with them.

Trials often become meeting places.

Illustration

The Lord of the Rings’ Sam to Frodo: “I can’t carry it for you, but I can carry you.”

That’s what God does in our hardest days.

The “Roseto effect” reminds us communities of care thrive—even medically—because they walk together. God designs us for with-ness.

The Roseto effect refers to a 1964 study done in mid-20th century Roseto, Pennsylvania, which claimed to have found lower incidence of heart disease there and attributed this, without evidence, to strong social bonds within a tight-knit immigrant community.

Awe

Gold is revealed in fire. It’s not destroyed; it’s refined.

So are fathers, families, and faith.

Reflective Question

Looking back, where did the Father’s presence shine brighter in pain than in comfort?

Main Point 3: God’s Presence Transforms Fear into Faith

Scripture: Joshua 1:9 (NLT)“This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:5–9 (NIV)

No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Context & Word Insight

Joshua faces giants and unknowns. God’s answer: “I am with you.”

Hebrew: chazaq ve’ematz—be strong and courageous—rooted not in self-confidence, but in God’s with-ness (imkha).

Father’s Day Connection

Parents often feel inadequate. The courage you need as a dad, mom, or mentor doesn’t come from flawless plans but from a flawless Father who goes with you.

Your presence, anchored in God’s presence, helps your family convert fear into faith.

Biblical Support

Spurgeon said that God is with us in sorrows, not simply to shield us from them, but to sanctify them.

Paul wrote letters from prison (Philippians, Ephesians, Colossians, Philemon), turning captivity into opportunity because God was with him.

IllustrationWarmth:

Ever prayed, “God, get me out of this,” and sensed Him reply, “I’ll get in it with you”? That’s Father-love.

Neuroscience suggests stress processed with support helps brains grow in resilience. In Christ, we receive not just human support but the Spirit of adoption: “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15).

Awe

“I never knew Christ was all I needed until Christ was all I had.” God often turns our “I can’t” into “He can.”

Reflective Question

Where is God inviting you to take a step—small or big—trusting that His presence is your courage?

Father’s Day Scripture Touchpoints (Optional Weave-ins)

Psalm 103:13: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.”

Luke 15: The Father runs to the prodigal—God’s presence outruns our failure.

Deuteronomy 1:31: “The Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son.”

Ephesians 6:4: Fathers, bring your children up in the training and instruction of the Lord—presence that forms character.

Matthew 7:11 / Luke 11:13: If we know how to give good gifts, “how much more” does the Father give the Holy Spirit.

A Moment to Honor and Heal (2–3 minutes)

Invite dads and father-figures to stand. Affirm their calling.

Invite those grieving, estranged, or hurting to keep a hand over their heart.

Pray a blessing that the Father’s presence would deepen courage, repair breaches, and release grace.

Encourage reconciliations where safe and possible—and God’s comfort where it’s not.

Repeat-After-Me Declaration (about 1 minute)

Invite all dads and father-figures to stand. Lead slowly, one line at a time.

Father God, You are with me in every trial.

In deep waters, I am not alone.

In rivers of difficulty, I will not drown.

⭐ The Star Moment—Ending (Last Minute)

No matter the storm, there is a greater promise: GOD IS WITH YOU.

Not as a feeling only—but as a fact, secured at the Cross, confirmed by the empty tomb, and sealed by the Spirit.

As you step into Father’s Day, know this: you do not walk out alone.

The God who parts seas and walks on waves walks beside you and within you. So this week, when trials come, don’t just ask, “Why me?” Ask, “Who is with me?”

The answer: “Immanuel—God with us.” And to every father and father-figure: you do not carry your family alone. Your Father carries you.

Conclusion

God’s presence is not dependent on your circumstances.

God uses your trials to reveal more of Himself.

God’s presence turns fear into faith.

On Father’s Day: Presence beats perfection—ours and everyone else’s. Trust the perfect Presence of your Heavenly Father.

Appeal

If you’re “in the water or fire” today—if you need the Father’s presence—would you stand, raise a hand, or simply open your palms?

Pray with me:

“Father, I feel alone at times, but today I trust Your promise. Be with me in my storms. Turn my fear into faith. Heal what is broken, strengthen what is weak, and father my heart. Be Immanuel to me—in this moment and always. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

If you need prayer or want to say “yes” to Jesus, come forward after service. Don’t leave without support.

Practical Applications (Father’s Day Edition)

Presence Over Perfection

Dads: Choose one daily “presence moment” (5–10 minutes) with each child—eye contact, no phone, ask one good question.

Mentors: Text one younger person this week, “I’m with you—how can I pray?”

Pause and Pray

When tension hits, pray: “Father, where are You in this?” Then act with the peace you receive.

Anchor Verse

Memorize Isaiah 43:2 as a family. Say it at breakfast, bedtime, or in the car. Make it your “storm verse.”

Encouragement Chain

Send three messages this week: one to a dad, one to a spiritual father, one to someone who’s grieving.

Remember Past Faithfulness

Journal times God showed up. Parents, share one story at the dinner table to build family faith memory.

Blessing Practice

Speak a brief blessing over your family each night (Numbers 6:24–26 A father’s blessing echoes the Father’s blessing.

Numbers 6:24–26 NIV

“ ‘ “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” ’

A “Fire Drill of Faith”

Families: Agree on what you’ll do when stress hits—pause, pray, breathe, quote Isaiah 43:2, choose one small act of courage together.

Final Key Takeaway

Trials are inevitable. But so is God’s presence. On Father’s Day and every day, your Father is with you in the waters and in the fire. Walk this week with unshakable confidence: the One who is with you is greater than anything against you—and His presence in you can become your presence for others.