We’ve all been there—kids staring at us blankly when we talk about trusting God “no matter what.”

It’s not that they don't want to believe it. It’s that it’s hard to picture. That’s why I love using science to help them see what they can’t always feel.

Here’s an object lesson that isn’t just fun to watch—it hits deep. It’s about pressure, and how God can use it to shape us.

Main Idea:
Even when life feels like it’s closing in, God isn’t out of control. Sometimes He’s using the pressure to grow us.

Scripture Tie-In:
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair.” —2 Corinthians 4:8

The Setup
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You’ll need:
• 1 empty soda can
• A bowl of cold water (add ice if you can)
• Tongs or gloves
• A stove or hot plate
• A tablespoon of water

Safety note: This one’s best for older kids or a large group setting where you’re doing the demo up front. The science is real, and so is the heat.

What You Do

1. Pour a tablespoon of water into the soda can.
2. Set the can on the heat source. Wait until you see steam coming out the top.
3. When it’s hot and steaming, use tongs to quickly flip the can upside down into the cold water.
4. Watch it crush itself like a soda-can stress ball.

What’s Happening

When the water boils, the steam pushes most of the air out of the can. But when you flip the can into cold water, the steam condenses back into liquid almost instantly. That creates a low-pressure zone inside the can. The outside air—at normal atmospheric pressure—doesn’t play fair. It rushes in and crushes the can from the outside.

In other words: invisible pressure, real impact.

The Spiritual Hook

Here’s where you pivot.

Ask:
• “Could you see the pressure that crushed the can?”
• “Have you ever felt pressure in your life like that?”
• “Did the can crush because it was weak—or because of what was happening around it?”

Then say something like this:

“We all feel pressure—school, family, fear. Sometimes we feel like we’re getting crushed. But God’s Word says we can be pressed but not destroyed. That means even in the middle of all that pressure, God’s still at work. And He can use those moments to shape us, not break us.”

If you want to go a step further, connect it to Jesus in the Garden. He knew pressure. He sweat drops of blood. But through that pressure came the cross—and through the cross came salvation.

For the Leaders

This isn’t just a neat trick. It’s sticky truth. Kids won’t forget watching that can collapse—and with the right words, they’ll remember that God’s not scared of their hard moments. Neither should they be.

Great for:

• Sunday large group
• Preteen breakout
• Science night outreach
• Campfire devo with a portable burner (bonus points)

Jared Lilly serves as the Lead Pastor of Life Church in Waynesville, NC. Passionate about nurturing the spiritual growth of children and youth, Jared also captivates audiences with The Amazing Chemistry Show, blending science and faith to inspire the next generation. He and his wife, Hannah, enjoy life with their three wonderful children—McKenna, Abby, and Judah. To connect with Jared, reach out at jaredleelilly@gmail.com.