Sermons on Suffering And Joy:

Navigating The Surprises Of Life

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Aug 29, 2011

God can and will help us change so we can be better equipped to handle change. If we will go all in with God and give our lives to Him, He will help us learn to navigate the surprises of life in a way that brings Him honor and produces something good in o

Navigating the Surprises of Life Intro: How many of you enjoy surprises? I know, I know – it depends on what the surprise is. For example, your tax return comes back with $500 more than you expected – that is a good surprise! Or, back when we used VCR’s… one day you ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Handcrafted By God

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on May 17, 2012

Is God bending, shaping, or polishing me right now? What’s my attitude: Am I thanking and praising God, or am I complaining about the process? Trials are intended not to provoke us but to prove us. See the present from the perspective of the future. Look

Opening illustration: The Steinway piano has been preferred by keyboard masters such as Rachmaninoff, Horowitz, Cliburn, and Liszt—and for good reason. It is a skillfully crafted instrument that produces phenomenal sound. Steinway pianos are built today the same way they were 140 years ago when ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:8-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

It Will Be Worth It All Series

Contributed by Nathan Johnson on Jun 26, 2008

Our suffering does not match the good news that awaits us in eternity. We can be encouraged that one day, we will find our ultimate comfort.

It Will Be Worth It All Griffith Baptist Church – 6/29/08 A.M. Service Text: Romans 8:18-22 Key verse: Romans 8:18 - For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. The Introduction There once was an oyster whose ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

Preparing For The Best Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 31, 2011

In this lesson, we cover the principles for living for Christ, so that we may received the best blessings, even in the worst of persecution.

Introduction: A. I like this picture – Don’t you know that that car never saw it coming! 1. In some respects life is unpredictable and we need to learn to expect the unexpected. 2. When it comes to the Christian life, there is not much that is unexpected. 3. Jesus tried to prepare us ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"A Better Discipline" Series

Contributed by Rob Petersen on Jul 1, 2009

No matter the context, God’s discipline shows his Father’s heart for us.

DOMINANT THOUGHT: No matter the context, God’s discipline shows his Father’s heart for us. PURPOSE: - Head: For the people to understand that God cares for us as a father cares for his children. - Heart: For the people to have confidence and hope in God’s promises through tough times. - Hands: ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Crushed Expectations

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Mar 8, 2009

Here’s a word that will help the body deal with pain, sufferring, and disappointment. A big blessing to our church!

Crushed Expectations Text: Psalm 6:1-7 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger, Nor chasten me in Your hot displeasure. 2 Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am weak; O LORD, heal me, for my bones are troubled.3 My soul also is greatly troubled; But You, O LORD—how long? 4 ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 6:1-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Rejoice In Suffering!? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 21, 2023

This sermon explores how suffering is an integral part of Christian life, serving as a tool for spiritual growth and deepening our relationship with Christ.

Good morning, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ! It's a joy to be with you all today, standing together in the house of the Lord, united by our shared faith and love for our Savior. You know, it's not always sunny skies and smooth sailing on this voyage of faith we're all embarked upon. There ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Topics: Growing In Christ, Suffering

Successful Suffering Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 12, 2021

The lesson on how to suffer successfully involves the whole of one's spiritual life and relationship to God. In learning this lesson we will learn that which is necessary to be a complete and entire Christian.

Imagine the testing of the body in such a sport as football. To be on your feet and seconds later brought to the ground hard and fast. Then to get up and do it again, and again, and again, but constantly moving forward. All of that falling is not what wins the game, but whether or not you win ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8

Joy Series

Contributed by Don Vanzant on Sep 30, 2011

God gives joy to those who abide in Him which is not dependent on circumstances but is actually compatible with pain.

Years ago I spent the last four months of seminary in the Clinical Pastoral Education program or CPE as a chaplain on the third floor of Central Baptist Hospital. It was a great experience, but not one that suited me too well. I was assigned to the respiratory ward where people were mostly ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:22-23

Denomination: Disciples Of Christ

Suffering Successfully

Contributed by Ben Bannister on Jul 4, 2003

In this sermon, we will learn how to profit from trials.

Text: James 1:1-8 ETS: This passage tells us how to suffer successfully. ESS: There are three keys to suffering successful. OSS: The people of Providence Baptist Church will suffer successfully. PQ: How can we suffer successfully? UW: Keys Title: How to Suffer Successfully I. A Good Attitude ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Suffering Successfully Series

Contributed by Timothy Smith on Jan 7, 2006

1st in a 5 part series from the book of James on making practical application to real problems.

RELIGION THAT REALLY WORKS - Week 1 SUFFERING SUCCESSFULLY JAMES 1:1-7 & 12 INTRODUCTION TO SERIES: Do you believe in God? According to a Fox News survey, 92% of Americans say they do. And since you’re here in church today it’s probably not too big a leap to think that most of you believe in ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-12

Denomination: Christian Church

Joy

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Nov 8, 2025

1. REJOICING IN HEAVEN 2. YOUR JOY WILL BE COMPLETE 3. GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT 4. YOUR GRIEF WILL TURN TO JOY 5. JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT 6. REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS 7. REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICE 8. THE LEADER'S JOY 9. THE JOY SET BEFORE HIM 10. THE TEST OF FAITH

JOY 1. REJOICING IN HEAVEN 2. YOUR JOY WILL BE COMPLETE 3. GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT 4. YOUR GRIEF WILL TURN TO JOY 5. JOY IN THE HOLY SPIRIT 6. REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS 7. REJOICE WITH THOSE WHO REJOICE 8. THE LEADER'S JOY 9. THE JOY SET BEFORE HIM 10. THE TEST OF ...read more

Scripture: Romans 14:17

Denomination: Pentecostal

Why Does God Allow Suffering And Evil?

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Oct 12, 2009

The question why does God allow suffering and evil is one of the most significant questions of this or any other time.

Why does God allow suffering and evil? Why are babies born blind? Why is a promising life snuffed out as it is on the rise? Why are there wars in which thousands of innocent people are killed, children are burned beyond recognition and many are maimed for life?. There may be times when you find ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Pentecostal

Goal 3: To Know The Fellowship Of His Sufferings Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Dec 9, 2009

We get so busy doing other things that we forget the main things. But God has great goals for our lives. Today we will focus on the fellowship of His sufferings.

God’s Greatest Goals for Your Life Part 3: To Know the Fellowship of His Sufferings 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 Sermon by Rick Crandall McClendon Baptist Church - Nov. 8, 2009 *Last week I mentioned The Beverly Hillbillies to you. But when it comes to goals, Eric Thomas makes a good point from the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

How Could A Good God Allow Suffering? Series

Contributed by David Owens on Dec 16, 2012

No answer can completely answer this most difficult question of life. I this sermon we consider some things about God and the world He created, we consider the reasons for suffering, and we consider how to cope with suffering.

Introduction: A. There is a scene in a British movie where a young brother and sister had experienced the death of their beloved kitten. 1. The children had prayed fervently that the cat would get well, but unfortunately, it had died. 2. The children couldn’t understand why this had ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ