Sermons on Difficulties:

Giving Thanks In Difficult Times Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Mar 26, 2010

Knowing Jesus is enough to give the foundation for us to give thanks in difficult circumstances. The future will bring great difficulties for the people who experience it; knowing Jesus is their only foundation for hope.

Introduction: We're tempted to just throw things away that don't do what we want. Luke 13:6-9 gives one of Jesus parables, about a fruitles fig tree, that was fertilized to give it another chance, its best chance for growth. If no growth was forthcoming, it then would be destroyed. The ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Persevere Even If It Gets Hard

Contributed by Richard Tow on Dec 8, 2020

Believers are encouraged to not lose heart and give up, even in the face of trials and difficulties. To continue in the faith we should continue doing good toward others, continue in prayer, and continue in the word.

I take as our subject today, the call in Scripture to persevere—to steadfastly continue in the faith no matter what happens.. Some of you have walked with the Lord for many years. You have fought some battles. You have not done it perfectly, but you have continued to follow the Lord. You have ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2, 1 Timothy 4:1-16, 2 Timothy 4:2-4, Luke 18:1-8, Galatians 6:7-10, Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 13:43, Acts 2:43, Acts 14:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

An Anchor For The Soul Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Mar 2, 2021

Tossed to and fro by the difficulties of persevering in the faith? What or whom do we look to for assurance and reassurance? Hebrews 6:9-20 tells us where to find an anchor for our souls.

I imagine as we come to the very middle of the Book of Hebrews it might be legitimate for any of you to ask if I’m ever tempted to quit, to just blow off the Christian life, to abandon Christ. And my answer is not so much that, though I must admit the thought has occurred to me, but always with ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 6:9-20

Denomination: Bible Church

Thieves And Robbers In The Temple Series

Contributed by Delwyn Campbell on Mar 30, 2019

One of the most beautiful stories of the Scriptures is that of the prodigal son, the younger son who left home, got into deep difficulty, wasted his life in riotous living, and ended up in the pigpen.

Illustrations for Biblical Preaching Prodigal Son One of the most beautiful stories of the Scriptures is that of the prodigal son, the younger son who left home, got into deep difficulty, wasted his life in riotous living, and ended up in the pigpen. Dr. J. Vernon McGee once asked, “Do you know ...read more

Scripture: Luke 15:11-32, Luke 19:8-10, Romans 6:23, Romans 12:3-8

Denomination: Lutheran

Keep Moving: Moving From Pain To Praise

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Feb 26, 2024

I want us to consider some steps to take as we move from Gloom to Glory – From Pain to Praise that might help us as we face uncertain and difficulties in life!

Sermon - Moving From Pain to Praise Habakkuk 3: 16-19 “I trembled inside when I heard this; my lips quivered with fear. My legs gave way beneath me, and I shook in terror. I will wait quietly for the coming day when disaster will strike the people who invade us. Even though the fig trees have ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:16-19, Habakkuk 1:2-3, Habakkuk 2:4, Psalm 103:2

Denomination: Methodist

The Seven Keys To Spiritual Buoyancy: The Ministry Of Consolation (Key One) Series

Contributed by Joshua Blackmon on Sep 10, 2023

This series looks at seven principles from 2 Corinthians that Paul characterizes the life of Paul the Apostle and shows how he was able to stay afloat despite the difficulties he faced in life.

The Seven Keys to Spiritual Buoyancy: The Ministry of Consolation (Key One) Introduction The Scriptures use chaotic waters as a theme for the dangerous yet glorious place of unformed potential. The creation hymn of Genesis 1 begins with God's Spirit hovering in the darkness over the face of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Be A Conversationalist Series

Contributed by Scott Jensen on Feb 3, 2020

The church in Corinth had a problem communicating with outsiders and visitors. The church still has that problem. This sermon looks at some of the difficulties that we have dealing with those who are unfamiliar with our faith.

Opening and Introduction Tonight, we continue our sermon series on sharing our faith. In our text today, we heard about Christians in Corinth that struggled talking to visitors. They were having a hard time communicating the way they wanted to be heard. The gift of tongues was practiced, but ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:23-25

Denomination: Lutheran

Heaven, We Are Dying To Live There Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jun 20, 2016

In the midst of all of the persecutions and difficulties of these Christians, there is a blessed relief -- to be with Him for eternity. Our passing from this life is blessed because we Reside in the Lord; Rest from Labors; and will be Rewarded by deeds.

1. Back in 2014, Andy Russell of Tarzana, CA passed away. His three year old grandson, Bobby wanted to know what had happened to his grandfather. His parents told him, "Grandpa was so sick and felt so bad that God did not want him to hurt any more so he sent the angels to get him." Astonished, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 14:9-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

One Way We Accidentally Trip Up New Believers Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Dec 14, 2018

The Christian life is challenging and one way we trip up new believers is by giving them false expectations about what the journey will be like. This passage details the difficulties Paul encountered and serves as a good summary of the struggles any believer may encounter.

HOW WOULD THEIR MINISTRY BE DISCREDITED? If their children in the faith didn’t continue the race. - 2 Corinthians 6:3b – “. . . so that our ministry will not be discredited.” - Paul talks elsewhere about his children in the faith being his joy. And certainly they were. Here we see another truth ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10

Denomination: Baptist

"And He That Was Dead Sat Up...:

Contributed by Winson Butler on Apr 20, 2004

When faced with the difficulties of life, how do you respond. When Jesus was faced with death itself we find Him providing a message of hope and help in our most difficult hour!

"And He That Was Dead Sat Up..." St. Luke 7:14-15a Introduction I. At a recent funeral of a very wealthy man, a news reporter reporting on the event ask one of the attenders, "How much did he actually leave behind?" His answer, "All of it!" That’s a truth we ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:14-15

Denomination: Baptist

"And They Are There Unto This Day..." By Dr. Winson Butler

Contributed by Winson Butler on Jul 13, 2004

When God prepares to do something wonderful, He begins with a difficulty. When He plans to do something very wonderful, He begins with an impossibility. Let me show you how!

Introduction No matter the size of one’s obstacle or difficulty God’s promise is always bigger. He has never made a promise that He couldn’t keep! Even when the river of your life has swollen, God will and does make a way. Israel knew the feeling too well. Under the leadership of Joshua they ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 4:9

Denomination: Baptist

Handling Hurts In The Church Series

Contributed by Captain David Kauffman on Nov 4, 2006

How do we align our hearts - when trouble surrounds – when difficulties pile up – and there seems no possible way of escape? Series Theme Scripture: Ephesians 4:12-13

Scripture: Malachi 3:6-18 Series Theme Scripture: Ephesians 4:12-13 12 to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:6-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Prescription For Patience Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jan 26, 2006

James is very concerned about how you react to the pain and suffering that comes into your life. This sermon teaches you how to respond to injustice, pain, suffering, delay and difficulty in a godly way.

Scripture Stanislaw J. Lec once said, “You must first have a lot of patience to learn to have patience.” I wonder how many would agree with that statement. It does seem that those who are patient have large doses of it to begin with, doesn’t it? In our text for today, James gives us God’s ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

River Rafting 101 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Jan 5, 2012

It’s important to understand that river rafting has many dangers and difficulties just as the journey of life does. We must know how to ride the river and manage the spiritual journey of life.

Series: Let the river flow pt 2/3 John 7:37-39 “Jesus has the life giving water!” • 37…Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. 38Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him.” 39By this he ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Encouraged! Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Dec 19, 2012

As we walk through difficulties in life, one of the best ways to get perspective and see our way through to the end is encouragement. David shows us the best way possible to become encouraged!

David appears to be in a jam in this psalm (what else is new?). Some think that this psalm is related to Psalm 25—that the same situation is going on. It appears to be a revolt by the ruling class who are taking “bribes” (vs 10) and not acting in integrity in their relationship ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel