Sermons on Difficulty:

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

How To Be A Peacemaker

Contributed by Bruce Lee on Jul 20, 2015

God is our peace in the middle of disaster, flood, loss of life, and every day. We can learn to live in peace with ourselves and others no matter what struggles and difficulties we face.

“How to Be a Peacemaker” “For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;” Ephesians 2:14 KJV Intro: This week has been bitter sweet with the flood disaster in Flat Gap, Kentucky just a few miles from Paintsville ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Moses In God's School Series

Contributed by Bob Marcaurelle on Mar 2, 2016

In this fourth message of twenty on the life of Moses we see the difficulties Moses faced, not just with Pharaoh but with the Jewish people. This was the first of many clashes between Moses and the people he was trying to help.

. Moses 4 MOSES IN GOD’S SCHOOL Exodus 4:18-7:7 C. The Salvation 2. The Conflicts in God’s Will Ex. 4:18-31 Moses has reluctantly agreed to God’s will. I do not believe his heart was in it. His “Thy will be done!” could be worded, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Powerful Display Of God's Plan Series

Contributed by Billy Ricks on May 10, 2013

Difficulties are not designed to destroy us. God's plan is to glorify Himself. Whether that includes suffering or success or significance is up to God. It is up to us as how we respond to what we face.

Intro: When Trouble Strikes (Our Daily Bread) Dave Dravecky had pitched with remarkable success for the San Diego Padres and the San Francisco Giants baseball teams. But his pitching arm developed an unusual soreness. Medical tests identified the problem--cancer. Surgery and months of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-20

Denomination: Baptist

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

Do You Believe?

Contributed by Timothy Dolan on Nov 20, 2013

The reason we need this message is to help us through times such as experienced by the prophet Habakkuk: Habakkuk’s words show the difficulty that many of us have concerning our world.

Do You Believe? Scripture Text: John 11:26 (Read John 11) Introduction: Jesus’ question to Martha in John 11:26 was this: Do you believe? The Book of John was written that you might believe that Jesus is the Son of God. John 20:31. In the first six miracles of Jesus in the book, ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-57

Denomination: Baptist

The Overcomers In Christ

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Jan 26, 2014

We are overcomers in Christ. Many fell into temptations because they believed in the devil's lies that they are the only one going through difficulties, the temptations are too overpowering, and there is no way out except to give in.

In Luke 10 Jesus sent 72 of His disciples out to the towns to share the Gospel and minister to the needs of the people. • Luke 10:17 “The seventy-two returned with joy and said, "Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” • Jesus replied in verse 18: “I saw ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Understanding Peace Beyond Understanding Series

Contributed by Larry Turner on Sep 29, 2013

Peace is something we all desire but sometimes have difficulty finding. This sermon unwraps the gift of peace that Jesus left with us so that we can apply this peace to our lives.

As most of you have seen I was featured in the Lincoln Times this week. My picture was on the front page carrying two bags of apples. Debbie and I attended the Apple Festival in Lincolnton on Saturday. The news photographer snapped a picture of me with my two 10 lb. bags of apples and asked for ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 14:30

Denomination: Foursquare

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Shady Character Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jan 10, 2013

In our desert journey we need shade from time to time. The Broom Tree is an interesting symbol for the shade of God in the difficult journey.

1. Making the most of a difficult situation Maxwell tells a story that illustrates the importance of a positive attitude. A newly married woman insisted on going to the California desert so she could be near her military husband. The only place the couple could find to live was a rundown shack near ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 21:15-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ