Sermons on Courage In Difficulty:

Running With Horses

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jun 8, 2009

Perhaps you’ve run into some difficulties recently: your boss, an illness, conflicts in family. You’ve pleaded with the Lord for relief. But He may have said in response, “Toughen up. Dig in. It may get worse.” And then He asks you to “run with horses."

Opening illustration: Can you imagine what it would be like to be at a track meet waiting for the start of the 100 meter race? Gathered together are the top runners from across the world. Fractions of a second separate these runners. While the marathon is a test of stamina and endurance, the 100 ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

David's Strength Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Sep 7, 2018

David was a man after God’s Own heart, but had numerous problems and difficulties in life. Also, he had to face all jealousy, hatred, enmity of relatives, friends and authorities. Here we will see how he had taken it positively and overcame with the grace of God.

DAVID’S STRENGTH Text: I Sam 30:6 Introduction: David was a man after God’s Own heart, but had numerous problems and difficulties in life. Though his fall made a vital change in the fortune of his life career, in spite of that, he had to face all jealousy, hatred, enmity of relatives, friends and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:6

Denomination: Methodist

Thank You Lord, For The Thorns That Hurt Us

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Nov 24, 2021

No true child of God gets out of life without enduring some kind of pain, adversity, discomfort, or suffering. Each encounter we have with the difficulties of life need to be seen as lessons the Sovereign LORD teaches us to rely less on ourselves and more on His wisdom and grace.

I've spent much time in thought and silent prayer, organizing in my mind and soul on how this message should be presented. I wanted to be certain that what I was about to say would be based primarily upon the Word of God and not merely a repeat of topics that I have covered in previous ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, 1 Peter 2:21, 1 Peter 4:13, Mark 8:31, Luke 24:46, 2 Timothy 2:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

How Can We Be Grateful In All Circumstances?

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Nov 22, 2023

Giving thanks in all circumstances, which means we give thanks when we are sick, facing severe family problems, and experiencing enormous life difficulties, is certainly not easy! But that is what the apostle Paul commanded us to do. Is it possible? How can we do that?

Illus.: A father in Phoenix calls his son in New York the day before Thanksgiving and says, "I hate to ruin your day, but I have to tell you that your mother and I are divorcing; forty years of misery is enough. "Dad, what are you talking about?" the son screams. We can't live ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 11:4, Matthew 10:29-30, 2 Corinthians 12:7, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, Revelation 3:19, Romans 8:28  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Problems Come

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on May 2, 2023

Problems come. It's part of life. What are some general principles we need to follow when they do? We look at one of the greatest problems / difficulties / challenges in the history of God's people - the destruction of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians and the exile - for lessons.

Everyone faces problems from time to time. Churches also face problems. For example, a church might unexpectedly lose its pastor and some other key members of its leadership at around the same time. If that happened, how would you view it? Perhaps some of you would say that it’s a CHALLENGE, ...read more

Scripture: Amos 4:7-8, Daniel 9:5, Nehemiah 1:7, Ezra 9:6

Denomination: Baptist

"who Are The Poor In Spirit?"

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Jun 15, 2023

"To be poor in spirit" refers to one feeling spiritually broken due to life's challenges and difficulties. They have a genuine heart for God. This study will explore the characteristics of a person broken before God, which the Bible calls the "poor in spirit."

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (Psalms 113:7-8) (7) "He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;" (8) "That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 113:7-8, Matthew 5:3-11, Isaiah 66:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

Everything Came To A Standstill Until There Arose A Mother In Israel

Contributed by Jeremiah Menyongai on Mar 10, 2020

If All Women Were Removed From The Average Local Church, It would grind to a halt. Women hold a vital place in the church. Most work while men stand & talk. They are more dependable & have greater commitment than men. Deborah stepped in when the men stepped out.

EVERYTHING CAME TO A STANDSTILL UNTIL THERE AROSE A MOTHER 1. Judges 4 When Ehud was dead, the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord. 2 So the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The commander of his army was Sisera, who dwelt in ...read more

Scripture: Judges 4:1-16, Judges 5:1-7

Denomination: Charismatic

How Jesus Taught That Sometimes Things Must Get Worse Before They Can Get Better

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Sometimes the Lord allows conditions to get worse so He can make us better. No one goes through life without difficulties. In order to get our attention; the Lord may allow adversity to bring out the best or the worst in our attitudes - depending on our p

No one goes through life without difficulties. In order to get our attention; the Lord may allow adversity to bring out the best or the worst in our attitudes - depending on our perspective. The Lord is far more interested in developing our character than in seeing us succeed in our jobs. God is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:23-28, Exodus 5:22-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Paul’s Great Purpose In Life

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Apr 13, 2011

Paul wrote this epistle while in a Roman prison. Prior to this he had many trials and tribulations before reaching Rome (see Acts 27-28). Paul was a man of God who faced countless difficulties; and yet he was able to rejoice in the Lord amidst all his pro

Intro: Paul wrote this epistle while in a Roman prison. Prior to this he had many trials and tribulations before reaching Rome (see Acts 27-28). Paul was a man of God who faced countless difficulties; and yet he was able to rejoice in the Lord amidst all his problems. His secret of joy in spite of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:20-26

Denomination: *other

A Living Hope Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Sep 29, 2013

The Living Christ is the source of our new birth & our living hope. If you have a living hope in the living Christ you can deal with your past failures & present difficulties because of your future blessings. God’s glorious best for you lies ahead.

1 PETER 1: 3-6 [Renewing Hope Series] A LIVING HOPE [ Mark 16:1-8 ] The power with which Peter aims to equip these beleaguered saints is the power of hope. [If they, or we, are going to live and love like Jesus commands us, even in times of great stress and worry, then they, and we, must be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-6, 1 Peter 1:3-5

Denomination: Baptist

Faith In The Midst Of Despair Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 26, 2017

Jairus had a great need, and he met One greater than his need. When he faced an impossibility, Jesus provided life. We all have difficulties beyond our control. We have great needs, and we serve a great Christ for our needs.

Faith in the midst of Despair Mark 5: 21-24; 35-43 Following the great miracle in Gadara where the demonic was healed, Jesus made His way back across the Sea of Galilee. Most agree He returned to the region around Capernaum, the home-base for His ministry. As soon as Jesus steps out of the boat, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:21-43

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon # 21 - Cry Out To God Series

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on Oct 30, 2024

As Jonah travailed in the belly of the fish he called out to God knowing that only God could help him. In the midst of all the trials, difficulties and challenges that come our way do we call out to God? Here’s what happens when we do so.

We read in Jonah 2:1-2, “From inside the fish, Jonah prayed to the LORD his God: When I was in trouble, LORD, I prayed to you, and you listened to me. From deep in the world of the dead, I begged for your help, and you answered my prayer.” (CEV) Jonah called out to the Lord his God from inside the ...read more

Scripture: Jonah 2:1-2, Psalm 50:15, Exodus 15:25, Nehemiah 9:9, Matthew 14:30-31, Luke 18:37-38, Luke 18:40  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Warfare

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on May 25, 2005

We need to keep in mind that throughout this letter Paul is writing to a divided church, and a church that is being seduced by false teachers. These false teachers charged Paul with being very courageous when he wrote letters from a distance, but said t

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: A custom of the natives in New Guinea is told. At certain times they have rituals, songs, and dances. They work themselves up into a frenzy and the ritual culminates in what are called “the murder songs,” in which they shout before God the names of the people they wish ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 10:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Easter Energizes Christians!

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Apr 23, 2012

Easter Energizes Christians to courageously proclaim Christ, pray to him and live for him. Unlike today's energy drinks that eventually wear off, discover how Easter provides a continual source of energy for Christians. Based on Acts 12:1-19

Have you noticed the number of so-called “energy drinks” that are on the market these days? Some have some pretty interesting names like, “Full Throttle”, “Red Bull”, “Monster”. Their purpose is rather self-explanatory. They are supposed to be able ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Denomination: Lutheran

Living In Sunday

Contributed by Troy Borst on Oct 12, 2013

They were living in a Saturday full of no hope and no purpose and no answers. We, too, can easily get stuck in living with a Saturday state of mind—no hope, no courage, no plans... This particular SUNDAY was Resurrection Day a day of love, life, hope!

LIVING IN SUNDAY THE STORY CHAPTER 27 / Matthew 27:62-28:10 INTRODUCTION… Some People Live for Certain Days (P) Each of us has something in common… we all are slaves to time and we experience life on a day in and day out basis. We give the days specific names so we can help mark the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ