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What the Bible says:

^{Matthew 14:22-36, 8:23-27, John 6:14-15, Deuteronomy 18:15-19}

Struggling with when things aren’t going well is the true test of .

“We measure by , not in things going better for us.”

Jesus uses storms and setbacks, to show His disciples a of who He is.

God can use storms to either or us.

What does this mean for me?

^{Matthew 14:22-36, James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:1-2}

Regardless of the of the , the way through it remains the same.

How to take little faith to greater faith:

Greater faith happens when we step out of our based on what is telling us to do.

Little faith is not a result of , but the wrong .

How to change our doubts that sink us to a conviction that saves us:

We have to surrender our new to an and God.

WARM UP

1. Faith, like skill in any sport, grows the more we practice it. The Winter Olympics just ended, and while some events look simple, they take years to master. If you were thrown into the Olympics with no training, which sport would you try, and which would you avoid at all costs? Why?
   
   
2. This weekend, we talked about the figurative storms we may face in life. Have you ever experienced a literal storm or extreme weather event that genuinely scared you? What made it so terrifying?
   
   
3. What’s the main thing that stuck with you from this weekend’s message?
   
   

KNOW IT

1. Read Matthew 14:22-23. Earlier in this chapter, we saw Jesus pause His alone time to serve others (verses 13-14), but here He makes it a priority again. Why do you think Jesus intentionally made time for prayerful solitude between busy moments? What is so important about getting alone time with God in the midst of your busy schedule?
   
   
2. In Matthew 14, the disciples obeyed Jesus and witnessed a miracle. Later in the same chapter, they obeyed again and found themselves in a storm. With that in mind, read James 1:2-4. How might God use both blessings and difficulties to strengthen your faith?
   
   

SHARE IT

1. This weekend, we were reminded that faith happens when we step out of our comfort zone based on what the Bible is telling us to do. Before Peter stepped out to meet Jesus on the water, he said, “Lord, if it’s you…” Have you ever taken a step of faith while still doubting, or held back because of doubt, and later wished you hadn’t? What happened?
   
   
2. Jesus calls us to grow our “little faith” into stronger faith. Whether you’ve followed Him for years or are just beginning to explore, growth is part of the journey. What has helped your faith grow, or take its first steps? How has it moved you from little faith toward deeper trust?
   
   

LIVE IT

1. Jesus modeled “practicing the presence of God” by taking time alone to be with the Father. Prayer, reading Scripture, worship, attending church, going to the beach, resting, hiking, drawing, playing sports, or anything you love doing with and for God are meaningful, life-giving ways to connect with Him. How will you practice His presence this week?
   
   
2. Chris pointed out that Peter’s problem wasn’t fear; it was losing focus on Jesus. What are the things in life that tend to take your focus off of Jesus and put it on yourself? Where are you inclined to focus on what you can do, and whether you have what it takes?