Sermons on Difficulty:

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

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

Discouragement: Its Causes And Cure

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Jan 10, 2012

David was a man of God who struggled with discouragement like all of us. He wrote our text amid great difficulties. The good thing was, not only did the Lord deliver him out of his discouragement, but He also used the resulting change in David’s heart as

Intro: David was a man of God who struggled with discouragement like all of us. He wrote our text amid great difficulties. The good thing was, not only did the Lord deliver him out of his discouragement, but He also used the resulting change in David’s heart as a good example for us to learn from. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 40:1-5

Denomination: *other

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

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

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

When Everything Seems Hopeless

Contributed by Jerry Flury on Jul 10, 2018

What do you do when everything seems hopeless and you don't know what to do? The events in the life of Jehoshaphat provide encouragement when we face trials, trouble, and impossible situations.

When Everything Seems Hopeless 2 Chronicles 20:1-29 Introduction: The story is told of a man named Brian Hice of Provo, Utah, who had a single day that takes the cake. First, his apartment became flooded from a broken pipe in the apartment above his. So, his manager told him to go rent a water ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 20:1-29

Denomination: Baptist

Prevail Over Your Problems As Jesus Did

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 7, 2003

With the power of Christ we can prevail over any problem. The Lord Jesus gave us His Holy Spirit to make us victors amidst the strife, hardship and adversity. Our Savior gives us a mastery over whatever complex difficulties we face to demonstrate His omni

1. Jesus taught His disciples to be upbeat, confident and strong in the power of our heavenly Father. The Lord Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) With the power of Christ we can prevail over any problem. The Lord Jesus gave ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How Must We Love? Series

Contributed by Sean Harder on Apr 11, 2012

“Why do you think I gave you my grace and the gift of the Holy Spirit?” My grace is sufficient, but sufficient for what? To keep you going forward in your mission in spite of insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties. It’s not just a get to heave

You may be thinking, boy this series is sure a lot about what we must know, and must do, when do we get to some teaching about God’s love and grace. Well, part of me wants to say, we have had so much of that we have become mushy Christians who do very little for the Kingdom. Another part ...read more

Scripture: John 14:15-31

Give Hope Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 15, 2009

Looking at 2 Corinthians 1:3-11 we can see the nature of difficulties in: 1) Giving Hope (2 Cor. 1:3-7), 2) Getting Hope (2 Cor. 1:8-9), 3) Praise for Hope ( 2 Cor. 1:10-11)

The actions recently of major Nidal Malik Hassan on Fort Hood in Texas, have been shocking. The US army psychiatrist, who was charged with providing hope and comfort to distressed soldiers, turned on them, shooting 51. In 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul rejoiced because God has so recently ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11

Denomination: Other

"He Is No Fool....make A Decision" ~ For What Will You Give Your Life?

Contributed by Scott Sharpes on May 23, 2016

For what will you give your life? Ex.of Eric Liddell, Jim Elliot. Abram:Overcomng fear of uncertainty; Moses: Overcoming fear of inadequacy; David: Overcoming fear of difficulty. "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose!"

Title: “He is no fool….make a decision” Text: 2 Timothy 1: 7, 12 Purpose: We don't have to be paralyzed by fear ********************************************************** Introduction (Are there some things worth fighting for?) (For what will you give your ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7-12

Denomination: Nazarene

When You’ve Lost You’re Grip

Contributed by John Gaston on Feb 13, 2019

Each of us has a withered hand and can't get a grip on something in life. It could be a past hurt, moral failure, financial difficulty, fear of the future, physical problem, or feeling of inferiority. We need to let Jesus expose it and heal us mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically.

WHEN YOU’VE LOST YOU’RE GRIP Mark 3:1-5 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A Mom discussed peer pressure and cigarettes with her 12-year-old daughter. Having struggled for years to quit, she described how she had started smoking to "be cool." As she outlined the arguments kids might make to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 3:1-5

Denomination: Assembly Of God