Sermons on Shinning In Difficult Times:

Matthew 2 Joseph's Difficult Road Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Aug 3, 2009

Many times we think of Mary’s role in the birth of Jesus, but Matthew records the difficult road Joseph had to travel in protecting this little life that the enemy wanted to snuff out.

Have you noticed that the first chapters of Matthew are really Joseph’s story? Luke records Mary’s version of events and has her genealogy, but Matthew one is Joseph’s lineage, and her in Chapter 2 we find God again speaking to Joseph about caring for the safety of the Messiah. As a father, the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:1-23

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Parenting In Perilous Times Series

Contributed by Bill Harper on Jan 23, 2001

The parents of Samson model for us the marks of successful parents who raise their child in difficult times.

“PARENTING IN PERILOUS TIMES” Text: Judges 13:1-25 Intro: Illustration-Radio personality Paul Harvey tells the story of how Eskimo kill wolves. First the Eskimo coats his knife blade with animal blood and allows it to freeze. Then he adds another layer of blood, and another, until the blade is ...read more

Scripture: Judges 13:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Difficulties Do Develop Destiny

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Feb 22, 2018

A study in the book of Genesis 39: 1 – 23

Genesis 39: 1 – 23 Difficulties Do Develop Destiny 39 Now Joseph had been taken down to Egypt. And Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the Ishmaelites who had taken him down there. 2 The LORD was with Joseph, and he was a successful man; and he was ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

When A Long Time Seems Like A Long Time

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Feb 21, 2003

This sermon looks at Psalm 13 and what we should try to learn in the difficult and discouraging moments of our lives.

When A Long Time Seems Like A Long Time NLF 2/9/03 1 Samuel 24:1-22 Hebrews 11:32-40 Text Psalms 13:1-6 The title of today’s message is “When a Long Time, Seems Like A Long Time.” There are times in our lives, when we can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by, yet there are other ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 13:1-6

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

In Times Like These (A Message Of Encouragement)

Contributed by Larry Wilson on Jul 20, 2010

Paul had set the example of joyfulness in difficult times. In prison, after beatings, Paul and Silas had sung praises. Now, in the difficult times of their life, Paul gives advice for believers in difficult times.

In Times Like These: A Message of Encouragement Philippians 4:1-8 Calvary Baptist Church October 19, 2008 INTRODUCTION • The church at Philippi had fallen on difficult times. APPLY! – We are in difficult times! (The economy, the election) • The story of the founding of this church may be read in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Title: From Setbacks To Success: Finding Hope And Victory In Difficult Times Series

Contributed by Don Aldrich Tamayo on Jun 23, 2023

Today, we gather to explore how we can find victory over these difficulties through our faith in Christ. We will delve into the Word of God to discover wisdom, encouragement, and practical guidance for navigating these trials.

Introduction: Life is filled with unexpected challenges and setbacks. One such hardship is the experience of getting laid off, which can bring feelings of loss, stress, and a loss of focus. Today, we gather to explore how we can find victory over these difficulties through our faith in Christ. We ...read more

Scripture: Job 5:7, John 16:33, Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 46:10

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Guidance In Confusing Times Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Aug 30, 2016

If you want clear guidance in difficult and confusing times, pay attention to God's Word, pray, obey, and experience God's peace.

Two old friends met one day after many years. One attended college and became very successful. The other did not attend college. He never had much ambition, yet he still seemed to be doing very well. Curious as to why, the college graduate asked his friend, “How has everything been going ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 24:1-67

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Handles For The Hard Times (Part 2) Series

Contributed by Rich Young on Jan 18, 2001

Second in a series of sermons for dealing with difficult times.

"Handles for the Hard Times" (Part #2) TEXT: Gen 45:1-8 and 50:15-20 INTRODUCTION · One day Linus and Charlie Brown are walking along and chatting with one another. Linus says, "I don’t like to face problems head on. I think the best way to solve problems is to avoid them. In fact, this is a ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 45:1-8, Genesis 50:15-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Handles For The Hard Times (Part 3) Series

Contributed by Rich Young on Jan 18, 2001

Third in a series of sermons for dealing with difficult times.

"Handling the Hard Times" (Sermon #3) TEXT: Heb 6: 16-20 INTRODUCTION · Thinking recently about how much our lives are like the weather Ø Sometimes sunny, partly cloudy or clouds off in the distance, beautiful rainbow, rainy or a storm ( Get ready for the rain and storm – umbrella, raincoat, ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Handles For The Hard Times (Part 4) Series

Contributed by Rich Young on Jan 18, 2001

Fourth in a series of sermons on dealing with difficult times.

Handles for the Hard Times (Sermon #4) TEXT: II Cor 12:1-10 INTRODUCTION · Ever been between a rock & a hard place? · Times when circum/difficulties/trials are pressing in upon you? · Life feels like it’s a zoo and the zoo has been turned over to the monkey? · Times when confusion & chaos ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"How To Be Thankful In Hard Times" Series

Contributed by Danny Moss on Nov 17, 2005

This message encourages all of us to thank God even in the midst of difficult times.

"How To Be Thankful In Hard Times" "And He took the cup, and gave thanks..." "And He took bread and gave thanks..." Luke 22:17 & 19 Introduction- Notice that the words which I just read were spoken by our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ, in the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

Joseph Times Two Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Dec 11, 2017

Both Josephs trusted God in difficult situations. Both Josephs were pillars who protected others because they took the Lord seriously.

Note: This is a revision (with some reworking) of a December 2010 sermon, also posted on Sermon Central, entitled, "Joseph and Joseph." Joseph Times Two (Matthew 1:18-25) 1. We often assume things that are not true. Joke. “Thanks for the electric guitar you gave me for Christmas," little Chris ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 1:18-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Perseverance Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Mar 24, 2009

There is a process in our becoming all that God credated us to be. This is the human side of the divine change.

James 1:2-4, 22-25 “Perseverance” INTRODUCTION When it comes to travel, I think many of us are highway people. We want to go the fastest way possible in order to get to our destination as quickly as we can. We aren’t really interested in seeing the sights or stopping at the tourist ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-25

Denomination: Lutheran

Making Hard Choices

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 1, 2009

Today’s world is filled with energy-saving devices that make life easier, but there is something to be said for embracing life’s challenges. The apostle Paul found serving Christ hard, but he didn’t see it as a cause of discouragement. The goal was worth

Opening illustration: On September 12th, 1962, President JF Kennedy delivered a speech at Rice University in Houston, TX, about the difficult challenges facing the nation. He also shared his passion for the US to place a man on the moon. In balancing the needs of his people with the desire to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

You're Gonna Make It Through Your Storm

Contributed by Bradley Kellum on Aug 11, 2009

No matter what storm you are going through in your life right now, God will see you through it. Watch how God strengthens Paul during his real life storm and the lessons we learn about surviving storms.

I have a message for you from God today. God told me to tell all of you that… YOU’RE GONNA MAKE IT!!! YOU’RE GONNA MAKE IT THROUGH YOUR STORM!!! It’s just a matter of TIME. God wants to lift your spirits today. God wants to raise your sights today. God wants you to take heart. YOU ARE GOING ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:1-44

Denomination: Baptist