JESUS SUSTAINS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:
"Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved." – Psalm 55:22
Supporting Texts:
Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 11:28-30, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:19, Hebrews 13:5
INTRODUCTION:
Life is a journey filled with both highs and lows. There are seasons of joy and fulfilment, but there are also times of hardship, uncertainty, and discouragement. Many people carry heavy burdens—burdens of financial struggles, emotional pain, spiritual dryness, and health challenges. Sometimes, it feels as though we are alone, struggling to stay afloat.
But the good news is that Jesus does not just save us; He also sustains us. To sustain means to uphold, strengthen, and provide for someone continuously. The sustaining power of Jesus is what keeps us standing when life tries to break us. It is what gives us hope when everything seems lost.
This sermon will explore five key ways in which Jesus sustains His people: through His Word, His grace, divine provision, His peace, and His presence. When we rely on Him, we will never be shaken, no matter what we face in life.
1. JESUS SUSTAINS US THROUGH HIS WORD
The Word of God is a source of strength, encouragement, and guidance for every believer. In times of weakness, the Scriptures remind us of God's faithfulness, His promises, and His power. When everything else around us is uncertain, the Word of God remains unshaken.
a) His Word gives life (Matthew 4:4)
Just as physical food sustains the body, the Word of God nourishes and sustains our spirits. Without it, we become spiritually weak.
b) His promises never fail (Numbers 23:19)
Unlike man, God never breaks His promises. Whatever He has spoken concerning us will surely come to pass, no matter the situation.
c) His Word strengthens us in trials (Psalm 119:50)
The Word is a source of comfort in difficult times. It reminds us that God is with us and that He will bring us through every storm.
d) His Word guides our steps (Psalm 119:105)
In times of confusion, the Bible provides direction, wisdom, and clarity. When we follow God's Word, we will not stumble.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus Sustaining Peter on Water (Matthew 14:28-31)
Peter was able to walk on water as long as he focused on Jesus' Word. But when he doubted, he began to sink. This shows us that when we hold on to God's Word, we will be sustained.
2. JESUS SUSTAINS US WITH HIS GRACE
Grace is the supernatural strength and help that God provides to His children. Without it, we cannot stand. Grace empowers us to overcome sin, endure hardships, and fulfil God’s purpose for our lives.
a) His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9)
No matter what we go through, God's grace is always enough to sustain us. Even in our weakest moments, His strength is made perfect.
b) He gives strength to the weary (Isaiah 40:29)
Life can be exhausting, but Jesus gives fresh strength to those who wait on Him. When we feel like giving up, His grace carries us.
c) His grace helps us overcome sin (Titus 2:11-12)
We cannot live a righteous life by our own power, but by His grace, we are empowered to overcome temptation and walk in holiness.
d) We stand by His grace (Romans 5:2)
Our ability to remain steadfast in faith is not by our works, but by His grace. We are sustained because He upholds us.
e) Biblical Example: Paul’s Thorn in the Flesh (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)
Paul had a challenge he prayed about, but God told him, “My grace is sufficient for thee.” This means that even when we don’t receive the answers we want, God’s grace will sustain us.
3. JESUS SUSTAINS US THROUGH DIVINE PROVISION
One of the greatest fears in life is the fear of lack—lack of resources, opportunities, or necessities. But as long as Jesus is our Shepherd, we will never lack what we truly need.
a) He provides for our needs (Philippians 4:19)
God is our source. He supplies all our needs according to His riches in glory, not according to the economy of this world.
b) He feeds the hungry (Psalm 37:25)
David testified that he had never seen the righteous forsaken. God will never abandon those who trust in Him.
c) He multiplies resources (John 6:11-13)
Jesus took five loaves and two fish and multiplied them to feed thousands. When we put what we have in His hands, He will sustain us.
d) He cares for even the smallest details (Matthew 6:26)
If God takes care of the birds, how much more will He take care of us? We must trust Him.
e) Biblical Example: Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16)
God miraculously provided for the widow and her son during a famine.
4. JESUS SUSTAINS US THROUGH PEACE IN STORMS
Life’s storms will come, but those who trust in Jesus will not be shaken. He gives peace that surpasses all understanding, even in the midst of trials.
a) He gives peace beyond understanding (Philippians 4:7)
This peace is not based on circumstances but on trust in Jesus.
b) He calms the storms of life (Mark 4:39)
No storm is too strong for Jesus. He has the power to bring peace to every situation.
c) He invites us to rest in Him (Matthew 11:28-30)
Instead of carrying our burdens alone, Jesus calls us to cast them upon Him.
d) His peace is permanent (John 14:27)
The world’s peace is temporary, but the peace Jesus gives lasts forever.
e) Biblical Example: Jesus Sleeping in the Storm (Mark 4:35-41)
Even in the storm, Jesus was at peace. This teaches us to trust Him in difficult times.
5. JESUS SUSTAINS US THROUGH HIS PRESENCE
The greatest assurance we have in life is that we are never alone. His presence keeps us strong and secure.
a) He is always with us (Hebrews 13:5)
No matter where we go, Jesus never leaves us.
b) He carries us when we are weak (Deuteronomy 33:27)
His everlasting arms uphold us when we cannot stand on our own.
c) His presence gives us courage (Joshua 1:9)
We can face anything because we know He is with us.
d) He is our refuge in trouble (Psalm 46:1)
When we are overwhelmed, we can run to Him.
e) Biblical Example: The Three Hebrew Boys in the Fire (Daniel 3:24-25)
Jesus was with them in the fire and sustained them.
CONCLUSION:
Jesus is our sustainer in every way. His Word strengthens us, His grace empowers us, His provision meets our needs, His peace calms our storms, and His presence assures us.
No matter what you are going through, you will not fall, for Jesus is with you!
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, sustain me by Your Word and keep me strong in faith.
2. Let Your grace be sufficient for me in every challenge.
3. Father, provide for all my needs according to Your riches.
4. Fill my heart with Your peace in every storm.
5. Let Your presence always go with me.
