Good Morning
Stand with me and lift your bible and repeat after me.
This is my Bible.
I am what it says I am.
I can do what it says I can do.
I am going to learn how to be what it says I can be.
Today I will learn more of the word of God.
The indestructible, never ending, living word Of God.
I will never be the same.
I will never be the same.
In Jesus Name
Amen?
Before you sit down, say good morning to your brothers and sisters.
Strength Through the Storm: Overcoming Adversity with Faith
- Isaiah 41:10: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
- Romans 5:3-5: "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
- 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
- Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
Recognizing the Storms of Life**
Imagine yourself out at sea, the winds howling, waves crashing, and all you have is a small boat. The sky is dark, and you feel utterly alone. In these moments, there’s fear, doubt, and maybe even despair.
Life’s adversities often feel like storms—overwhelming, terrifying, and beyond our control.
How many of us today feel like we are in that storm?
Maybe it’s financial strain, health struggles, family issues, or the ache of loneliness.
Perhaps you feel abandoned, wondering if God sees, if He cares, if He is there.
Today, I want to encourage you with this truth: God is not only with you in the storm; He has a purpose for it. Through every wave, every struggle, He is shaping you, growing you, and drawing you closer to His heart.”
2. Understanding God’s Purpose in Adversity
- Romans 5:3-5: “We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
Imagine a sculptor working on a block of marble, carefully chipping away piece by piece. It’s a slow and sometimes painful process, but the goal is to reveal something beautiful within.
Similarly, God uses adversity to chip away the pieces that don’t belong, revealing His character within us.
In the midst of hardship, we may ask, ‘Why, God?’ But God is not punishing us; He is refining us.
He is creating in us a resilience, a character, and a hope that cannot be shaken. Our trials are not signs of God’s absence—they are evidence of His desire to see us grow.
3. Testimony of Faith: A Story of Strength and Transformation
Let me share the story of a young woman named Sarah, who faced a seemingly impossible season.
Sarah was a single mother of two, juggling two jobs just to make ends meet. One day, she was diagnosed with a serious illness. Her world was shattered. With no family nearby, she felt isolated, hopeless, and scared for her future and the future of her children.
Sarah wrestled with God. She questioned His love, His presence. She found herself crying out in the night, asking, ‘Lord, why me? Why now?’ It seemed that the more she prayed, the worse things got.
One Sunday, at her lowest point, she dragged herself to church. During worship, a verse from Isaiah 41:10 came to her heart: ‘Do not fear, for I am with you.’
In that moment, she felt God’s peace wash over her like a wave. She knew she wasn’t alone—God was with her, and He would uphold her.
Over the following months, Sarah’s health began to improve. God provided in unexpected ways—friends stepped up to help, her employer gave her extended time off, and even strangers offered support. Through this storm, Sarah’s faith transformed. She saw firsthand that God was her provider, her healer, her peace, and her strength.
Today, Sarah’s faith is unshakable. She speaks openly of God’s faithfulness, encouraging others who are going through their own storms. Her life is a living testimony that God can turn our deepest pain into a powerful purpose.
4. God’s Strength in Our Weakness
Isaiah 41:10: "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God."
When we reach the end of our own strength, we discover God’s strength. His Word promises that He will uphold us, that He will strengthen us, and that He will not let us fall.
2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
Think of a broken clay pot, one with cracks and holes. When you put a light inside, the light shines beautifully through those broken places. In the same way, our weaknesses and struggles allow God’s light to shine through us. Our brokenness becomes a channel for His grace, His love, and His power.
5. Holding onto Hope in Adversity
- Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
- Affirmation: No matter how broken or crushed we may feel, God is not far. He is close—so close that He hears every whisper of our heart, every tear that falls. He promises not only to save us but to hold us, to lift us, to carry us through every trial.
- Encouragement to trust in God’s timing: Even though the journey may be long and the answers unclear, our hope is in God’s faithfulness. When we don’t see the way, He is already working behind the scenes. When we’re holding on by a thread, He is the one holding us.
6. Altar Call: Surrendering Our Struggles to God
Today, if you are in a storm, I invite you to take a step of faith. Come to the altar. Bring your fears, your worries, your heartache, and lay them at the feet of Jesus.
You don’t have to fight this battle alone. God’s arms are open, waiting to hold you, to comfort you, to strengthen you. Maybe you feel like you’re at the end of your rope. But remember, God’s Word says, ‘My grace is sufficient for you.’
Allow His grace to fill you and sustain you.”
Prayer for strength: “Father, we bring our burdens to You. For those who feel weak and weary, I ask for Your strength. Lift them, hold them, and carry them through this time.”
Prayer for peace: “Lord Jesus, bring peace that surpasses understanding. Calm every fear, silence every doubt, and fill our hearts with Your presence.”
Prayer for renewed faith: “Holy Spirit, breathe new life into our faith. Restore hope where hope has been lost. Remind us that You are faithful, that You are good, and that You are always working.”
7. Closing Blessing and Encouragement
Romans 8:28: This is a reminder that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.” Every trial has a purpose, every storm a lesson, and every hurt a healing.
As you go out today, may you be filled with the assurance that God is with you, that He goes before you, that He stands beside you, and that He will never leave you. Whatever storm you face, know that God’s strength is greater, His love deeper, and His grace sufficient for every need.
Go in peace, go in strength, go in faith, knowing that the God who calmed the sea, who raised the dead, and who conquered the grave is with you, always.
