A Beautiful ...

A Beautiful ...

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Aug 26, 2010 (message contributor)

based on 1 rating (rate this sermon illustration)
| 2,987 views

Scripture: None

Tags: Trust

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

A Beautiful Prayer

“I asked God to take away my pain. God said, ‘No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.’

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, ‘No. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.’

I asked God to grant me patience. God said, ‘No. Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn’t granted, it is learned.’

I asked God to give me happiness. God said, ‘No. I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.’

I asked God to spare me pain. God said, ‘No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.’

I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, ‘No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.’

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, ‘No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.’

I asked God to help me love others as much as he loves me. God said, ‘Ahhhh – finally you have the idea.’

(Source unknown)

Related Sermon Illustrations

A Newly Appointed Young Preacher Was Contacted By ...

Contributed by Craig West on Dec 10, 2004

based on 1 rating
| 19,657 views

A newly appointed young preacher was contacted by the local funeral director to hold a graveside committal service at a small country cemetery in Iowa. There was to be no funeral, just the committal, because sadly, the deceased had no family or friends left in Iowa. The young pastor started ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1

Tags: Funerals Non-Christian, Leadership General

Denomination: Baptist
The Miracle Of God's Presence PRO

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on Sep 5, 2002

based on 22 ratings
| 10,163 views

THE MIRACLE OF GOD’S PRESENCE Lisa Beamer reflects on the loss of her dad in her book, "Let’s Roll." “Slowly I began to understand that the plans God has for us don’t just include ‘good things’, but the whole array of human events. The ‘prospering’ he talks about in the book of Jeremiah is ...read more

Denomination: Nazarene
Ucla Alumni And Fans Made Ucla Football Coach ... PRO

Contributed by Dale Harlow on Sep 5, 2002

based on 13 ratings
| 4,901 views

UCLA alumni and fans made UCLA football coach Pepper Rodgers’s life miserable during a season when his Bruins got off to a horrible start. Nobody in Southern California would hang out with him. "My dog was my only true friend," Rodgers said of that year. "I told my wife that every man needs at ...read more

Tags: Doubt, Faith General, Apologetics General

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ
T.w. Hunt Said In His Book "The Doctrine Of ... PRO

Contributed by Jeff Simms on Jul 11, 2004

based on 2 ratings
| 3,090 views

T.W. Hunt said in his book “The Doctrine of Prayer” “Selfishness brings into our experience a danger so great that God knows He cannot coddle us with answers hostile to the very thing He is working to achieve in us. I would not give a murderer a knife to pamper one of his whims. God will not ...read more

Tags: Prayer Adoration

Denomination: Baptist
City Slickers

Contributed by Sam Peters on Mar 1, 2007

based on 1 rating
| 2,591 views

(If available, use the clip illustrated here) In the movie City Slickers, Mitch (Billy Crystal) is on a Baby Boomer cattle drive in search of the real meaning of life. In one scene he is out riding with the gritty trail boss, Curly (Jack Palance). Curly realizes why Mitch is on the trip and ...read more