Sermons on Hardships:

It's Game Time--Time To Call An Audible

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Jan 16, 2011

This message deals with the need and willingness to make quick changes in our lives when the Spirit calls us to do so.

It’s Game Time-Calling An Audible January 16, 2011 Genesis 32:1-8 Acts 16:6-15 How many of you have ever been in a situation in which you were going to do something with another person and at the last minute you realized what you had planned was not going to work, so you ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-15

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Not About The Numbers Series

Contributed by Johnny Wilson on Aug 30, 2010

Gideon's victory with 300 warriors should be an encouragement to any congregation which might be small or have lost members.

Today, I don’t want to take you through the text verse-by-verse. I’m not going to bore you with maps or the meanings of names (except one)—even though there would be some familiarity there. I’m concerned that we might have lost sight of the purpose of this short, specialized ...read more

Denomination: *other

Surviving The Wilderness Series

Contributed by James ( Jim ) Highland on Mar 24, 2011

Learning to do Wilderness Survival in today's Wilderness World.

Surviving the Wilderness David did not go from the Hero Giant-Killer to King immediately. There was a wilderness chapter of about 10-12 years. David had immediately become hero, army leader, married to king’s daughter, best friends with king’s son. But there was one problem. King ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 20:1

Denomination: Baptist

God Is Near

Contributed by Rick Boyne on Jun 25, 2012

God does not abandon us during out times of trial.

God is Near January 13, 2008 Morning Service Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK Rick Boyne Message Point: God does not abandon us during out times of trial. Focus Passage: Psalm 23 Introduction: Furlough 2002-3, took kids to Bell’s. Had lots of fun, tried to keep them from running off. ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

What Do You Have Left

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Jun 6, 2010

Life throws us some real punches. Instead of focusing in on what we have lost, we need to see what it is we have left that God can still use on our behalf.

When Life Knocks You Down-What’s Left 1 Samuel 30:1-31 Philippians’ 3:7-14 Today we complete our series, “When Life Knocks You Down.” Pastor Toby preached on “I Failed, Now What.” Pastor Kellie preached on “God Specializes in Plan B.” ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-31

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Desert - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Oct 15, 2009

Our journey through the desert to find God in difficult times.

The Desert Journey August 23, 2009 Psalm 63 Have you ever been to the desert? It’s a fun place to go to . . . as long as you don’t run into some animals we may not consider all that friendly, and as long as you know your time in the desert is coming to an end. Usually when we think about the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 63:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Loving God When Life Is Hard

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Aug 24, 2014

Loving God when life is easy is no challenge. Loving God when life is horrible - that's a challenge that God equips us for.

Sermon for Outdoor Service – “Loving God When Life is Hard” – August 24, 2014 No matter where we were to find ourselves at any one moment on this planet, we would discover that we have a great many things in common with every other human there. We all need to eat, sleep, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Diamonds Are Forever

Contributed by Thomas Miller on Jul 2, 2008

God created us with more love and compassion then we will ever know. Because He created us knowing that the freedom He gave us would be abused, causing Him to have to give His Son’s life to save ours.

Diamonds Are Forever Even the hardest rocks crumble with enough pressure and heat over time. But creations process creates the most beautiful things out of pressure. Remember no pain, no gain. What was once ordinary is now precious and sought after, the diamond. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:14-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

02 Joy In Adversity Series

Contributed by Seth Lawson on Feb 17, 2025

Bottom Line: Joy flourishes when Christ is exalted, even in the face of hardship.

Last week, we began a new series through Paul’s letter to the Church at Philippi. The Book of Philippians shows what it means to live with defiant joy. And here’s what I mean by that: “defiant joy” is a joy that stands firm regardless of what life throws our way. Even in his imprisonment, Paul ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-30

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Smyrna, The Suffering Church Series

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Jul 6, 2002

The faithful of Smyrna suffered hardship, but they were spiritually prosperous and steadfast in their devotion to Christ.

"Smyrna-the Suffering Church" -Pastor Bob Leroe, Cliftondale Congregational Church, Saugus, Massachusetts. Sermon series on the Letters to the 7 Churches of Rev 2-3 When school report cards are issued, it’s can be a stressful time. Any assessment we receive is supposed to help us see our ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-12

Denomination: Congregational

Looking At Adversity

Contributed by C.j. Moffett on Aug 12, 2003

No one in their right mind enjoys pain and hardship, but do they hold a redeptive purpose?

--Nietzche said, "Whatever doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger." --Illus: Kia Jurgenson was a student at a Christian University. A gifted high school basketball player (she was all state), she received a full-ride scholarship and started as a freshmen on the University team. During those ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:3-12, Romans 8:28-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Characteristics Of A Godly Man Series

Contributed by Doug Warren on Sep 24, 2003

Suitable for funeral for elderly Godly man who endured hardships in his life.

Mr.________ would fully identify with the Psalmist in that in his lifetime he was tested, and he would agree that he walked through the "fire and water" but he would also testify that God has now brought him to a place of abundance (Heaven). What characteristics did Mr._________have that would ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

Staying True All The Way Through

Contributed by Ben Bannister on Jul 4, 2003

In this sermon, we learn how to stay true to our faith during hardship.

Text: James 1:9-27 ETS: James gives us qualities to hold to when we are going through trials. ESS: This passage teaches us what we need in order to remain true to Christ in trials. OSS: The youth of MVBC will have these qualities. PQ: What qualities do I need in trials? UW: Qualities Title: ...read more

Scripture: James 1:9-27

Denomination: Baptist

Who Am I? Series

Contributed by Robert Fa’atoia-Collins on Jan 20, 2012

Do you know who you are when your face with hardship and uncertainty?

Who Am I? Who are we? What makes you, you and me, me? About 2,617 years ago, the President of Iraq led his troops into Israel and smashed his way into the city of Jerusalem. Some of the locals were able to escape, but thousands of old men and women were slaughtered. Many more women were raped and ...read more

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Faithful Parents Mary & Joseph Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Aug 8, 2011

In spite of the hardships Mary and Joseph had to deal with, they were faithful to God!

We continue to study the Gospel of Luke. Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem because His earth parents Joseph and Mary had to go there to register for the Roman Empire. In our passage today we will read that the family went to Jerusalem. Here’s a question: As Mary and Joseph dealt with Baby Jesus or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:21-24

Denomination: Independent/Bible