Sermons on Overwhelming Odds:

Anna An Example Of Faith

Contributed by Mike Hullah on Apr 2, 2018

This sermon looks at the life of Anna, an example of how in one day, she fulfilled God's purpose in her life despite the overwhelming natural negatives she was born into, she overcame her situation by faith!

ANNA AN EXAMPLE OF FAITH Luke 2:36-38 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:36-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living With Lament Series

Contributed by David Owens on Sep 21, 2020

In this last sermon of the series on grief and lament, we explore and engage in how to live with lament. How to employ it with cases of overwhelming grief, and with cases of everyday, minor grief. The sermon ends with two examples of lament prayers.

A. Back in May, during our series about hope, I opened a sermon with a story that I want to use again today as our launching point. 1. One afternoon, a man came home from work to find two young girls from the neighborhood on the steps of his building. 2. Both girls were crying very loudly, and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 25:1-5, Romans 12:15, 1 Corinthians 12:26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Finding Inner Peace In A Turbulent World

Contributed by Jonas Singo on Jul 19, 2024

In the modern world, stress and anxiety have become constant companions. The struggles of everyday life can overwhelm us, leading to a state of discord. However, the peace we need is not found in the world, but within our hearts.

FINDING INNER PEACE IN A TURBULENT WORLD In the modern world, stress and anxiety have become constant companions. The struggles of everyday life can overwhelm us, leading to a state of discord. However, the peace we need is not found in the world, but within our hearts. As Jesus said in John 14:27, ...read more

Scripture: John 14:27

The Other Side Of The Storm

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jun 7, 2023

As Christians, we will pass through storms. Sometimes these storms will be violent. Yet, we are assured that when we pass through the storm, Christ will be with us. We shall not be overwhelmed. And on the other side of the storm, all will be at peace.

“On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, ‘Let us go across to the other side.’ And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Baptist

Calloused Hearts Of Unbelief Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Apr 12, 2004

Why do people not believe in Christ even in the face of overwhelming evidence? As a person resists the Holy Spirit his heart becomes calloused and his sensitivity to God diminished. The interaction of human will and divine judgement is examined in the lig

Calloused Hearts of Unbelief Fortifying the Foundations # 29 John 12:37-50[1] 2-29-04 This morning in our study of the gospel of John we stand at the end of Jesus’ public ministry. In chapters 13-17 Jesus is alone with his disciples before his arrest. He has much to say to them. There is much ...read more

Scripture: John 12:37-50, Hebrews 3:13

Denomination: Charismatic

Working It Out

Contributed by Jane Willis on Oct 18, 2004

Work gets overwhelming. The people we work with seem hurtful and self serving. Yet, work is a place where we live out our faith--a setting where we must learn to be more Christlike.

This passage about Mary and Martha is familiar to many of you. It is fairly well known. It is a story about one women working in the kitchen and making preparations to entertain guests while her sister is involved in spiritual pursuits and assisting directly in the ministry of Jesus. And, when the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Congregational

Living In A Murphy's Law World Series

Contributed by John Sears on Jul 22, 2011

This is a message of encouragement to people who are facing struggles and trials. We live in a Murphy's Law world where trouble is always just around the corner. How do we deal with it when the troubles of life seem overwhelming?

Introduction: Murphy’s law suggests that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Some corollaries have been attached – they are true given the right circumstances: q At the most inopportune time q Because it is your fault q And Everyone will see it Every perceived solution only ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-39

Denomination: Christian Church

What Are You Looking For? A Miracle? Series

Contributed by Jay Winters on Dec 24, 2007

This is the last in a series of Isaiah sermons in Advent all starting with the same question - "What are you looking for?" In this one, we consider the background story of the familiar passage found in Isaiah 7 and the sin of overwhelming "modesty" in bel

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, the Holy Three In One who is Emmanuel. Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, The Lord spoke to Ahaz – “Ask a sign of the Lord your God, let it be as deep as Sheol or as high as the heavens.” It sounds like something that we would ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 7:10-16

Denomination: Lutheran

Jesus Is God's Answer Sermon X: Jesus Meets Our Need For Security Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Jan 6, 2020

In times of trouble - no matter the form it may take - fear of the unknown can overwhelm us and cause anxiety. Yet, a child of God can remain calm in the midst of uncertainty because our security is in the Savior our Shepherd.

JESUS MEETS OUR NEED FOR SECURITY “I am the Door . . . I am the Good Shepherd” (John 10:9 . . . 10:14) Throughout the Bible, the image most often used to dramatize God’s love and care is that of a shepherd; ...read more

Scripture: John 10:9, John 10:14

Where Is God When Life Is Hard? Series

Contributed by Gerry Cheney on Jul 22, 2014

When you get blindsided by life, when things get overwhelming, and you find yourself surrounded by pain or terrifying circumstances, how do you handle it? This message seeks to begin to answer those questions.

Where is God When Life is Hard? Part I: Where is God? INTRODUCTION: When you get blindsided by life… how do you ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 73:1-26

Denomination: Vineyard

How To Use Troubles To Your Advantge Series

Contributed by Efe Oluwatosin on Aug 4, 2023

Understanding troubles. Are you asking the question why me? Or What have I done to deserve this? Many a time, troubles can be overwhelming. We feel burdened and don't know what to do.

Troubles in life are a challenge to every person. But when you take the time to understand how trouble works, you will discover that troubles are opportunities for great joy. WHY ARE WE HERE ON EARTH We are sent to the earth to replicate the nature of God in all that we do and to prepare for ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Proverbs 3:26

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Organization Of A Godly Leader Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jul 9, 2024

It is no secret that leadership presents its own set of challenges, and those who lead within the church are not exempt. Pastors in particular, and those in leadership positions within the church, often feel overwhelmed by the challenges associated with Kingdom work.

The Organization of a Godly Leader Nehemiah 3 (1-8 for Text) It is no secret that leadership presents its own set of challenges, and those who lead within the church are not exempt. Pastors in particular, and those in leadership positions within the church, often feel overwhelmed by the challenges ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 3:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Pruned For God's Glory Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Sep 12, 2025

When life feels most overwhelming, God lovingly prunes us—not to punish or limit us, but to free us from distractions, deepen our roots in Christ, and make us abundantly fruitful for His glory.

Pruned for His Glory John 15:1-5 Why is it that when life feels most chaotic—our calendars full, our energy drained—we feel the least spiritually alive? What if the very chaos we’re resisting is what God is pruning to make room for real growth? We look across life’s horizon and see endless ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Go! And Follow The Shepherd Who Carries You - Isaiah 40:11 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 2, 2025

When life feels overwhelming, when our sins weigh heavy, when we stumble under the pressures of this world, Isaiah reminds us: the Shepherd of our souls feeds us, carries us, and leads us.

Go! And Follow the Shepherd Who Carries You Isaiah 40:11 (NLT): “He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.” Introduction – The Shepherd We All Need There is something deeply ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:11, John 6:35, Matthew 11:28-30, John 10:11, John 10:27-28, Isaiah 53:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

The God Of Circumstances Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 21, 2022

Trust in the providence of God when you can't feel the presence of God.

Recently, someone posted a picture of me and my second-grade classmates. In case you’re wondering, I’m the burly and buff looking guy on the top left (next to the star). I noticed I’m not smiling which goes along with my thug-life, tough-guy image. This picture reminded me of an alarm system my ...read more

Scripture: Acts 23:12-35

Denomination: Baptist