By a show of hands, how many of you have ever experienced some help in times of trouble that you believe was due to how much God truly loves us?

I know that is true for me. How about you?

Just like in the Bible, we can turn to God, in big and little ways, to help keep us safe.

There is a wonderful Bible verse that states:

RINGLEADER: Where did he hide out next? [Group repeats]

RINGLEADER: What Bible story shows ... [Group repeats]

... God hiding someone from danger? [Group repeats

There was a prophet named Elijah. An evil king and queen, King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, wished to kill Elijah.

RINGLEADER: How did God keep him safe? [Group repeats]

Our Heavenly Father God told this to Elijah:

Elijah obeyed God. He walked until he reached that safe hiding place by that brook of water.

RINGLEADER: How did he find food? [Group repeats]

We learn in 1 Kings 17 that God sent Raven birds to bring Elijah bread and meat every morning and every evening.

RINGLEADER: How long did this go on? [Group repeats]

Elijah might have hid there for a few weeks or a few months. In any case, those Raven birds brought Elijah food until the brook completely dried up during a period without rain.

RINGLEADER: Was that widow rich? [Group repeats]

No, she was so poor that she only had enough oil and flour to make one last tiny meal of bread for her son and herself. After that, she was sure that the two of them would starve to death.

RINGLEADER: How did she find food? [Group repeats]

God made this promise to Elijah and the poor widow and her son.

RINGLEADER: How long did this go on? [Group repeats]

For about 3 years, there was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.

RINGLEADER: Who else did God save from danger?[Repeat]

One evening, Jesus told His disciples to take a boat out onto the water while He went off to pray to His Father in Heaven.

After a while, a storm began tossing the boat back and forth in the waves.

RINGLEADER: How did they stay safe? [Group repeats]

Jesus headed toward them by walking on the water.

RINGLEADER: Were the disciples scared? [Group repeats]

Yes, they actually thought they were seeing a ghost instead of Jesus. But Jesus replied:

JESUS: Don't be afraid. Take courage. I am here.

RINGLEADER: What happened next? [Group repeats]

In Matthew 14, the disciple named Peter said to Jesus:

DISCIPLE PETER: Lord, if it's really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.

JESUS: Yes, walk to me.

RINGLEADER: Was Peter brave enough to obey? [Repeat]

At first, he sure was. He climbed out of the boat. Keeping his eyes on Jesus, Peter actually took a few steps on the water.

RINGLEADER: Did something bad happen? [Group repeats]

Yes. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus to look at the strong wind and waves, he gave in to his fear. As a result, Peter began to sink.

RINGLEADER: What did Peter do next? [Group repeats]

Peter wisely called out to Jesus. He shouted:

DISCIPLE PETER: Save me, Lord!

RINGLEADER: Did Jesus save Peter from drowning?[Repeat]

Of course. Jesus reached out his hand, grabbed Peter, and pulled him safely into the boat. Then, Jesus said:

JESUS: Peter, you have so little faith. Why did you doubt me?

Then, the wind stopped. The water was still. The disciples worshipped Jesus and declared to each other:

DISCIPLES: Jesus really is the Son of God!

By a show of hands, who also believes that Jesus truly is the Son of God?

Next week, we will hear about some more ways that people in the Bible were saved from danger by God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.