Sermons on Difficulty:

Courage To Serve Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Aug 11, 2019

Jesus had spent time with the disciples, preparing them for the work of ministry. He had instructed them on where to go, what to do, and how to conduct themselves among men. Then He shared the difficulty they would face as they served Him, being rejected by most.

Courage to Serve Matthew 10: 16-22 Jesus had commissioned the twelve for ministry, providing detailed instruction regarding the work they were expected to perform. Jesus had told them where to go, what to take, and how to conduct themselves as they ministered among men. Now Jesus offered insight ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Journey

Contributed by Dennis Lee on Jun 5, 2022

Pastor Dennis looks at God’s promised presence and rest to the children of Israel on their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, and how that same presence and rest of God accompanies us on our journey through the wilderness of this world filled with desolation, trials, difficulties and an enemy.

The Journey Exodus 33:14 Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtPCqEgRAZo As Michaela and I were away the other week, I began to meditate upon this Scripture and the journey we are upon as God’s people. It’s a journey that leads us away from the bondage of the world and towards the promises ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 33:14, Exodus 33:11, Exodus 33:15, Exodus 13:21-22, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 4:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Foursquare

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

Message 8 - 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 – Persecution, Discipline And Tribulation; What’s The Difference? – Part 2 (Verse 9) Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 30, 2022

What is the difference between God’s wrath and God’s discipline? We look into tribulation, persecution and discipline, and look at 4 reasons Christians can have difficulties. Remember this – godly living produces persecution. Trees standing against the wind have the strongest trunks.

MESSAGE 8 - 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5 – PERSECUTION, DISCIPLINE AND TRIBULATION; WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? – PART 2 (Verse 9) REVISION FROM PART 1 We have been examining 1Thessalonians 5:9 and looking at the wrath of God. This is our focus verse again for Part 2 of the study on this verse – ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 2 Timothy 3:12, John 3:36, Hebrews 12:5-11, Psalm 119:67-68, Psalm 119:71, Psalm 25:18, Psalm 22:24, 2 Timothy 2:3-5, Romans 5:2-5, Matthew 5:10-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Am With You When You Are All Alone Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Jul 26, 2020

The Bible is filled with the stories of flesh and blood people … frail human beings with ordinary human needs who face all of the same kinds of struggles and challenges that we face … which is why we can not only relate to Paul’s discouragement but can learn from his courage as well.

I want to start out by reading an anonymous poem called “Friendship”: Friendship is a priceless gift that cannot be bought or sold But its value is far greater than a mountain of gold For gold is cold and lifeless It can neither see nor hear And in times of trouble it is powerless to cheer It has ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-18

Denomination: United Methodist

Hope In The Midst Of Battle

Contributed by Danny Anderson on Oct 28, 2006

This psalm draws a picture of a raging battle. From David’s own words, we see that he is undergoing a tremendous battle. His life is wreaked with chaos and difficulty. Yet, as we read through it, we begin to see that even in the midst of the raging battle

Hope In The Midst of Battle Text: Psalm 27:1-6 Introduction: Are you struggling today? Do you feel your whole life is being wrecked by ongoing spiritual battles? Do you wish Satan would go pick on somebody else for a while? Do you need some inner peace and comfort? Do you wish you could just ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 27:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

God's Indescribable Gift – A Gift Worth Receiving Series

Contributed by D. Greg Ebie on Nov 16, 2006

God’s gift alone is stronger than the hate and despair that mockingly stands in opposition against “peace on earth good will to men.” Whatever the difficulty we may face in these days approaching Christmas 2005 God’s gift, the gift of His one and only So

GOD’S INDESCRIBABLE GIFT – A Gift Worth Receiving Luke 2:21-33 INTRODUCTION: Video Clip: I Heard the Bells (1:47) I heard the bells on Christmas day, their old familiar carols play And wild and sweet the word repeat of peace on earth, good will to men . . . And in despair I bowed my head: ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-33

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Don't Be Afraid - Only Believe Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Aug 6, 2006

Does Jesus have authority over the difficulties in your life? What if God doesn’t seem to answer your prayers on time, do you still trust Him? In this study we see Jesus take authority over the powers of darkness and death itself.

The last half of Luke 8 gives us two incredible stories of Jesus combating the forces allied against humanity - the hosts of darkness under the control of Satan, and darkness itself: death. Just before this episode, Luke records for us Jesus’ control over the elements as He calmed the wind storm ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:26-56

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Facing Our Giants

Contributed by Daniel Wheat on May 29, 2009

We all have difficulties in life. I would go so far as to say that some of them look insurmountable and impassable. They take the form of a giant of an issue. And there are times when we feel defeated before even getting to the battle. And those who we re

Facing Our Giants 1 Samuel 17:38-47 Introduction: We all have difficulties in life. I would go so far as to say that some of them look insurmountable and impassable. They take the form of a giant of an issue. And there are times when we feel defeated before even getting to the battle. And those who ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 17:38-47

Denomination: Pentecostal

Completing The Task

Contributed by John Visser on Jun 10, 2009

There may be difficulties, personally and corporately because we never know what is coming, that is a part of life. Yet, Paul goes on to say, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Je

Acts 20: 22-24 – Completing the Task Paul speaking his farewell to the Ephesians elders, “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. However, I ...read more

Scripture: Acts 22:20-24

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why The Inner Circle Fights

Contributed by Raymond Watson on Jan 27, 2009

Did you ever run into difficulty with those that are close to you? Did you ever think that you were the only one that this happened to. Well you are not alone, that same thing happened to Moses and the God’s Word can show light on why this happens.

There have been many times that leaders have faced criticism from those that are closest to them. Just when things seem to be going right a left hook, out of nowhere puts things out of whack. There are many times that the leader looks to stop and give up. Others put on determination and ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

God Our Rescuer - God Our King Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Sep 24, 2012

Psalms 2 & 3 show us that God is in charge no matter how the human default condition of rebellion tries to get in the way. They also show us that when faced with difficulty there are four things we do naturally that make our troubles worse, and four ways

Our world today is moving faster and faster away from faith in God. In fact, the very existence of God is regularly called into question. In every part of our culture you are marked as narrow-minded, ignorant, uncool, hateful, bigoted, and foolish for trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior. ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Intimacy & Agony Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jul 23, 2012

How do you handle impending doom? You know, those times when something bad is happening and it's about to get much worse? Jesus faced the ultimate in impending doom in the Garden of Gethsemane. How He handled it is a model for us in times of difficulty.

The stage has been set, the lights have dimmed. The players have taken their places and learned their lines. All the blocking is complete and the production of Jesus’ crucifixion is ready to begin. From Chapter 14 verse 12 the action is nearly non-stop leading to the betrayal, arrest, trial, ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:12-42

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Take Your Burden To The Lord: A Lesson In Prayer

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 6, 2021

The Old Testament stateman Nehemiah heard of the difficulties that his fellow Jews were having in rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple after the time of exile in Babylon. His plans and burdens were brought before the LORD and were answered. So, what's our excuse?

The Old Testament story of Nehemiah presents his account of life and service in the royal court of the Persian Emperor Artaxerxes around 445-444 B.C., and how, upon hearing of the plight of his fellow Jews as they were in the process of rebuilding Jerusalem along with a new Temple for the ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 1:1-11, Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Christmas Promise Series

Contributed by Shine Thomas on Dec 13, 2023

There was no delay. Whatever God started he completed; what God promised he fulfilled. That means every time we celebrate Christmas it is a sign of God’s faithfulness. Yes, we have seen difficulties, we have gone through tough times, and sometimes

INTRODUCTION Christmas is a poof that God is in charge of things. No matter how difficult the situation, God’s Promised Son came into the world at the right time. That is the Christmas Promise to us. There was no delay. Whatever God started he completed; what God promised he fulfilled. That means ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:20, Isaiah 41:10, Matthew 1:23, Psalm 46:1, Romans 5:1  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God