Sermons on Surprised By Suffering:

Free To Choose - Suffering Over Sin

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Oct 5, 2025

How should we live in a world that is hostile to Christianity? Not by adopting the culture around us uncritically, nor by rejecting the world completely, but by engaging with the world while guarding against sin.

This morning, we continue with our study of First Peter. As a reminder, 1 Peter is a general epistle, meaning that it was a letter written to Christians in general, rather than to a specific church body. The first verse of the letter tells us that it was written: “To God’s elect, exiles scattered ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

God's Unique Design In Suffering: A Portrait Series

Contributed by William Lollar on Feb 11, 2003

Is there a "design" in suffering? Ask the sisters of Lazarus.

God’s Unique Design in Suffering: A Portrait in the Lives of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus (Part 1) John 11:1-16 This morning we come to examine the last of seven miracles performed by the Lord Jesus Christ in the Gospel of John. Each miracle reminds us that Jesus is God, sovereign in power, and that ...read more

Scripture: John 11:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Morning Is Coming

Contributed by Rodney Johnson Sr., on May 26, 2018

No difficulty should prevent you from anticipating the emergence of morning joy.

I. End of God's Anger 2. Endless Favor of God 3. Expiration of Weeping 4. Emergence of Joy Conclusion: Hold on, your morning is coming ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Why Is This Happening To Me? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 6, 2023

Explore God's call, purpose, and faithfulness in the midst of suffering, using the biblical story of Gideon as a guide.

Good morning, church family! Picture this: You're going about your normal day, minding your own business, when suddenly you're confronted by a divine messenger with an enormous task. That's exactly what happened to Gideon in the book of Judges - specifically, Judges 6:11-16. Let's read the passage ...read more

Scripture: Judges 6:11-16

Topics: Suffering

The Unexpected Jesus (Sermon 3) Discovering God In Surprising Ways Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 4, 2024

Many of us have had moments when we expected God to act a certain way, only to be surprised by how He actually revealed Himself. Perhaps you were praying for a breakthrough, but God brought transformation in a different form.

The Unexpected Jesus: Discovering God in Surprising Ways Introduction Today, I want to explore a theme that could radically transform your relationship with God: the idea that Jesus often shows up in ways we least expect. Many of us have had moments when we expected God to act a certain way, only ...read more

Scripture: John 4:4-7, Isaiah 55:8-9, Psalm 139:7-10, Mark 5:25-34, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Luke 5:4-11, Isaiah 6:8, Hebrews 13:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Being A Christian Can Be Painful! Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Aug 25, 2006

We should invest ourselves in the Lord, even while suffering.

Being A Christian Can Be Painful! (I Peter 4:12-19) 1. C. S. Lewis once remarked that “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks to us in our conscience, but shouts in our pain; it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.” Today’s sermon is about suffering, trials, and stressful experiences. 2. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

You Might Be Surprised What God Could Do For You

Contributed by Danny Moss on Feb 4, 2002

This message tells some of the blessings God is wanting to bestow upon us.

YOU MIGHT BE SURPRISED AT WHAT GOD COULD DO FOR YOU Text: Ephesians 3:20-21 "Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abun- dantly above all we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:20-21

Denomination: Baptist

Is God Suffering Cabin Fever - 1

Contributed by Gary Regazzoli on Nov 6, 2003

Is the Church building God’s Spiritual temple or has it slipped into spiritual apathy?

God is suffering “Cabin Fever” – Haggai 1:1-4 Special thanks to Robert Robb for his sermon outline www.sermoncentral.com Cabin Fever • Gabbie having to live in a shed for 6 years with three kids while their house was going to be built. Originally told it would only be 2 years • I used to love ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 1:1-4

Denomination: Christian Church

Attitudes In Times Of Suffering (Part 1)

Contributed by Tony Miano on Dec 11, 2000

This morning we’re going to look at some of the attitudes we should have if we suffer for doing the right thing.

Attitudes in Times of Suffering (Part 1) 1 Peter 3:13-22 Preached by Pastor Tony Miano at Lake Hills Community Church August, 2000 Introduction: We’ve come to the point in Peter’s letter where he begins to speak about the central theme of his message. From here on out, Peter will comfort, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Denomination: *other

Why Do I Suffer Affliction?

Contributed by Bob Briggs on Dec 14, 2000

Have you struggled with the thought, if I am a Christian why do I suffer affliction in my life?

Have you wondered, if God is going to bring blessing into my life, why do I seem to have so many struggles? Church, we have seasons of struggles and testing, the Lord has a purpose in not allowing us to be fruitful at all times. The seasons of struggle work to destroy the pride we have in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:17, Psalm 40:1-3

Denomination: Pentecostal

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Our heavenly Father knows what is best even when He allows us to go through dark valleys of suffering.

Suffering - To experience adverse effects of something unpleasant. To feel pain, grief or discomfort. Illustration:Someone asked C.S. Lewis, "Why do the righteous suffer?" "Why not?" he replied. "They’re the only ones who can take it." Unknown. "Although the world is full of suffering, it is ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

He Suffered Under Pontius Pilate Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Jul 16, 2004

This sermon examines the suffering of Jesus Christ under Pontius Pilate.

He Suffered Under Pontius Pilate Introduction As we continue our series in The Apostles’ Creed I would like to examine today what it means that Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate. Please listen as I recite the Apostles’ Creed: I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. I ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 3:13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Do You Suffer From Comparisonitis?

Contributed by Ronald Crandall on Jan 7, 2003

I don’t think that comparisionitis is actually a word, but boy did my congregation listen to it. Because we all have the tendcy to compare ourselves to someone or something. In this message we look at danger of the deadly disease I call "Comparisionitis"!

DO YOU SUFFER FROM “COMPARISONITIS”? By: Pastor Ron Crandall INTRO: All of us have a dislike for diseases or illness’ or something that is like a destructive process in an organism. We do not like suffering, We do not like the bearing of pain or distress. When we have a deficiency in an ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:3, Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Suffering Who Is To Blame... Some Thoughts

Contributed by Michael Treston on Oct 24, 2001

can we blaim God for all the suffering in the world, or is something else responsible.Notes on suffering

The oldest question is the question of today’s world The Church is in decline It’s shrinking faster than the share value of Air New Zealand Why? I think one reason it that it’s considered to be largely irrelevant Doesn’t have anything to say People don’t have a problem with Jesus- just the guys ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 17:9, Romans 12:21

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

How Do You React To Suffering

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

How Do You React to Suffering? - Rom. 8:18

How Do You React To Suffering? - Rom. 8:18 Illustration:Contrary to what might be expected, I look back on experiences that at the time seemed especially desolating and painful, with particular satisfaction. Indeed, I can say with complete truthfulness that everything I have learned in my 75 ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-28

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational