Sermons on Overcoming Hardships:

Brightness In Darkness

Contributed by Sam Evangelista on Jun 29, 2007

Born-again believersof Jesus Christ have all the reasons to rejoice even in the midst of hardship and trials of their lives as they continue to love and serve Him because they are assured of the Lord’s unfailing promise: "And surely I am with you always,

God can bring brightness in the darkest moment of our lives when... 1. Our adversities are God’s opportunities...(vs.12,13) a. For our salvation b. For spiritual maturity c. For mission and evangelism 2. Our situation becomes others’ motivation. (vs.14-18) Paul’s zeal in the ministry ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26

Denomination: Baptist

We Are More Than Conquerors

Contributed by Matthew Olanrewaju on Sep 17, 2011

In a world torn apart by war, tribulations, famine and hardship, God's love is still constant and visible in the love of Christ. We may have questions about the presence of evil, but that does not equate to a passive God, as He continues to love His own a

Romans 8: 35-38 A time of war is a difficult time. It usually a time when questions are raised, some questions we may find answers to them, others we may never find visible answers, yet it does not mean that there are no answers to those, it may just mean that we are not able to see the answers to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:35-38

Denomination: Methodist

Staying The Course

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Feb 3, 2009

Paul gives a revealing picture of the hardships of his ministry. Nine trials are listed here, and most can be found in the book of Acts. What stands out to me is how Paul writes with knowledge of how some perceive him because of the trails

Staying the Course II Corinthians 6:3-10 NKJ 3 We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed. 4 But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God: in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, 5 in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Thorn In The Flesh

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Dec 8, 2005

Some people become defined by their hardships while others rise above their pain. We may suffer broken relationships, broken promises, broken expectations, but we don’t have to become broken people. Pain is inevitable--misery is optional.

No one knows for certain about the nature of Paul’s thorn, and there has been extensive speculation about the nature of his affliction. Explanations range from persistent temptation, dogged persecution, chronic malaria, migraine headaches, epilepsy, or a speech disorder. Because Paul dictated his ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Congregational

Zechariah’s Third Vision: God's Presence Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Nov 15, 2021

This exposition of Zechariah 2:10-13 is a message of hope and encouragement for God's people. Israel had endured humiliation and hardship when carried into captivity by Babylon. But God is working a plan for those who love him that is absolutely glorious.

In our study of Zechariah, we have as our text today Zechariah 2:10-13. On February 15, 519 BC Zechariah was given eight visions which are recorded in chapters 1-6. Chapter 2 is his third vision. Within this vision are four messages: 1) Verses 3-5 contains a message addressed to the man ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 16:11, Revelation 8:1, Philippians 2:5-11, Zechariah 8:20-23, John 15:1-5, Exodus 33:14, Acts 17:28, Hebrews 12:22-24, Psalm 48:1-2, Haggai 2:9, James 5:11, Zechariah 2:1-13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Charismatic

Visionary View: Why Is This Happening? Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 12, 2023

In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments of uncertainty and hardship, and we may find ourselves asking the question, "Why is this happening?" Today, let's delve into the wisdom of Scripture, particularly Romans 8:28

"Visionary View: Why is This Happening?" Dear brothers and sisters, In our journey of faith, we often encounter moments of uncertainty and hardship, and we may find ourselves asking the question, "Why is this happening?" Today, let's delve into the wisdom of Scripture, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Tough Love

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Aug 23, 2018

If you want to grow to full maturity in life, respect God's discipline; don't reject it.

A mechanic accidentally swallowed some brake fluid and really liked the taste. Before he knew it, he had finished off the whole bottle. One of his co-workers caught him sneaking a swig the next day. “Man, that stuff will kill you,” said his friend, “you've got to give it up.” “Don't worry,” the ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-13

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Believe Without A Doubt

Contributed by Andrew Dixon on May 17, 2023

So often our minds our clouded with doubt instead of faith when situations are grim, and circumstances unyielding. The Lord does not condemn us, but comes to strengthen our faith, and let’s learn how.

Today’s meditation Mark 11:23-24, Truly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be taken up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will come to pass, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:23-24, John 20:25, John 20:26-27, John 1:29, John 1:32, John 1:34, Luke 7:19, Luke 7:22, Luke 24:13-16, Luke 24:17-21, Luke 24:22-24, Luke 24:25-27, Luke 24:28-32, John 20:29  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Other

Trying But Failing?

Contributed by Jerry Van Tilburg on Mar 29, 2015

Why do Christians fail in living for God and how is the finished work of Christ the answer?

We’re not a hypocrites. Loving God and desiring His will is paramount in our lives. But a sinful habit is destroying us, our testimony, and our faith. Perhaps it is smoking, an uncontrollable temper, some form of immorality, or one of a hundred different things. We’ve told ...read more

Scripture: John 8:36-37

Denomination: Pentecostal

Resisting Rabbit Trails Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Apr 23, 2015

In your pursuit of God and His plan for your life, don’t be sidetracked by compromise, slander, sin, or the wrong company.

A man who bought a new hunting dog was eager to see how he would perform. So he took the dog out to track a bear. No sooner had they gotten into the woods than the dog picked up the trail. Suddenly, he stopped, sniffed the ground, and headed in a new direction. He had caught the scent of a deer ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 6:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical Free

In The Middle Of The Storm

Contributed by Tammy Hardwick on Dec 14, 2014

Pastor Tammy shares how to live with peace in the midst of the storm.

Matthew 6: 25 - 34 (NLT) 25 “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34

Denomination: Vineyard

Life Is Worth Living

Contributed by Lola Olanrewaju on Dec 26, 2018

As we remember the birth of Christ and the significance of His prophetic names, It is also very empowering to realise the awesome power of His resurrection as this gives us the assurance that life is worth living . And because Jesus lives, we can face tomorrow.

There are times in life when we feel life is not worth living because we are faced with one hopeless situation or the other. 1 Sam 30:3-20 described how David felt when he lost his possessions to the enemy. The bible says David and his men wept until they have no more strength to weep because the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:3-20, Job 1:6-20, Mark 5:25-34, Isaiah 9:6-7, Jeremiah 29:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Grace In A Flawed World Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jun 11, 2020

In these days of turmoil, rely on God’s grace to save you despite your sin, to use you despite your status, and to give you victory despite your stupidity.

Several years ago (2011) Chevrolet produced a Superbowl commercial which featured a Silverado pick-up truck, acting like a modern-day Lassie. It repeatedly rescued a young boy named Tommy from various disasters. Take a look… (show Chevy Silverado Superbowl Commercial 2011; www.youtube.com/ ...read more

Scripture: Judges 10:6-18, Judges 11:1-40

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Eliminate Envy Series

Contributed by Esther Collins on Mar 14, 2021

This is the 3rd devotion from a series entitled, 'Building Relationships that Last. This devotion is about how to overcome envy in our lives.

Building Relationships That Last # 3 Eliminate Envy In the second message in this series, we saw how the love that we show to others should be genuine and sincere. There is another aspect of this love which Paul talks about in 1 Corinthians 13:4, the point that “love does not envy”. Let us look ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 4:3-5, Genesis 4:8, 1 John 3:12, Acts 7:9, 1 Samuel 16:6-7, 1 Samuel 18:19, Proverbs 27:4, John 3:16, Matthew 27:18, Philippians 1:15, Proverbs 14:30, 1 Corinthians 13:4  (view more)  (view less)

A,b,c’s Of Prayer

Contributed by Jay Yousling on Sep 3, 2020

You may have prayed different models of prayer. There is the Lord's prayer. There is the A.C.T.S. of prayer. The Apostle Paul gives us another simple model, The ABCs of Prayer.

A,B,C’s of Prayer Phil. 4:6-7 "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." A - Avoid losing it. ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6, Philippians 4:7, Philippians 4:6-7