Sermons on times of great hardship:

Is It Possible To Move Ahead After Failure?

Contributed by James Dunn on Nov 9, 2004

So many people today are afraid to take chances because of their fear of failure. All successful people have been failures in their life at one time or another. In order to succeed, we will fail. Success is not measured by our failures, rather what we

Intro: Defeat is not the worst of failures. Not to have tried is the true failure. B.E. Woodberry. I. Remember That Failure Can Be Helpful A. Failure teaches us what to avoid. B. Failure points us in the right direction. "These things happened as a warning to us, so that we ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

Testing Times

Contributed by Victor Yap on Sep 8, 2013

Trials

TESTING TIMES (1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-9) What do these countries have in common - North Korea, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Maldives, Mali, Iran, Yemen and Eritrea? The answer is, Christians suffer the worst persecution here. You might also be surprised to know that Christianity is the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-9, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Truth From Tragedy

Contributed by Richard Deem on Oct 29, 2001

We are in a time of crisis and calamity in our nation. In a swift attack, we were brought face to face with our mortality. No longer can we say “Those things only happen over there.” On September 11, 2001 we lost our innocence. America will be forever

Text: Various Introduction: On Tuesday, September 11, 2001 at 7:59 AM an American Airlines Jet Liner lifted its wheels from the tarmac at Boston’s Logan Airport. Only 5 of its 92 passengers had any idea of what was being set in motion. American Flight 11 was a routine daily flight heading for ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 25:7, James 4:14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Precursor To The Great: Faithfulness In The Small Series

Contributed by James Wallace on May 17, 2018

Joseph was faithful in small things during very difficult times. He who is faithful with a little will be entrusted with much. It was after years of faithfulness in smaller things in very difficult circumstances that God entrusted Him with great things.

Fixing Family Feuds Precursor to the Great: Faithfulness in the Small Genesis 40 As we have studied the life of Joseph, a fair question we might ask is there are any modern-day examples of lives that have been blessed like godly Joseph's ultimately was. This week the Christian world has mourned ...read more

Denomination: Bible Church

Giving Thanks In Difficult Times Series

Contributed by Doug Johnston on Mar 26, 2010

Knowing Jesus is enough to give the foundation for us to give thanks in difficult circumstances. The future will bring great difficulties for the people who experience it; knowing Jesus is their only foundation for hope.

Introduction: We're tempted to just throw things away that don't do what we want. Luke 13:6-9 gives one of Jesus parables, about a fruitles fig tree, that was fertilized to give it another chance, its best chance for growth. If no growth was forthcoming, it then would be destroyed. The ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 12:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Hope And Comfort PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 29, 2023

Emphasize the comfort, hope, and peace God provides during times of loss and hardship.

Good morning, my beautiful church family. We are gathered here today to embrace the word of God from John 14:16 and Psalm 23. Our focus is on the comfort God provides us during times of loss, the assurance of eternal life, and the peace found in His presence. In John 14:16, Jesus promises, "And I ...read more

Scripture: John 14:16

Topics: Hope, Comfort

Standing Strong

Contributed by Jeff Hatos on Aug 19, 2018

During times of hardship we need to remain strong and stand in the face of the opposition.

Standing Strong 1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason (for I do not trust either in the pope or in councils alone, since it is well known that they have often ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Helping People Get Through A Crisis Series

Contributed by Carl Allen on Feb 12, 2008

Let us study Micah’s therapeutic suggestions for times of crisis in 4:9-5:1. They can help us get through any type of crisis in our lives. Notice three “now’s” (4:9, 11, 5:1). There represent Micah’s three suggestions.

Helping People Get through a Crisis Micah 4:9-5:1 Intro Many churches today finance and staff a telephone counseling service. Trained counselors answer calls of people caught in crisis and try to help them survive. Micah was such a servant for the people of his day. They were in crisis too. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Encountering The Mystery Of God's Will

Contributed by Jung Lee on Mar 30, 2024

The story of Elijah, a widow, and her son in 1 Kings 17 showcases God's provision and the power of faith during hardship, revealing His enduring love and support.

Introduction In the ups and downs of life, there's a story from the Bible about Elijah, a widow, and her son that shines like a ray of hope. This tale is told in 1 Kings 17, during a tough time of hunger across the land. It's a story that shows us how God is always there, ready to help when ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:17-24

Denomination: Baptist

Speechless (So You Had A Bad Day?)

Contributed by Chris Jordan on Apr 27, 2008

Even though the Christian life is primarily characterized by abundant life and joy, there are seasons where the Lord allows us to go through dark valleys. It is often during those wilderness times that we encounter God, and our faith is strengthened.

SPEECHLESS (SO YOU HAD A BAD DAY?) OPENING TEXT: “Indeed these are the mere edges of His ways, and how small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?” (Job 26:14). INTRO: Personal story & search for God in the midst of suffering. • The sewer backup in our ...read more

Scripture: Job 26:14

Denomination: *other

End Time...but What About Now

Contributed by Dale Carter Sr. on Oct 21, 2022

We discuss the end time prophecies concerning the timer of the Rapture, the Great Tribulation and beyond, but what about now.

End of Time: 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20, John 14:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

In Times Like These

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Sep 27, 2004

In difficult times we must: 1- Count the blessings 2- Consider the source 3- Continue the life

INTRO.- ILL.- 22 year-old pop singer Britney Spears got married again for the second time in nine months. The first marriage lasted only about 55 hours. Someone calculated that if she kept up this pace by the time she is 50 she will be married some 39 times. SHE GOT MARRIED AGAIN. I say, so ...read more

Scripture: Job 14:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

A Time For Rainbows

Contributed by Jay Robison on Dec 11, 2007

The Rainbow is a promise of God to offer forgiveness. We all need it. God promises new beginnings. Used in Advent, but could be any time of year.

Beyond Your Wildest Dreams: Look: There is a Rainbow December 2, 2007 Jay Davis Robison GENESIS 9:8-16 Have you ever regretted doing something? As soon as it happened I knew I was in big trouble When I was youth minister I did not do victim games Those designed to make someone look silly ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 9:8-16

Denomination: Baptist

Called For Such A Time Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Apr 21, 2021

While we are thankful for the blessings associated with our relationship with Christ, we know living the Christian life is difficult at best. Life is not without adversity, but the Lord's provision and guidance are sufficient. He has brought us to this place in life for such a time as this.

Called for such a Time Esther 4: 10-17 The entire fourth chapter of Esther deals with her reaction to the decree signed by Ahasuerus regarding the Jews and the conversation she had with Mordecai concerning this disturbing plan. Our text today is a continuation of that conversation. One can only ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

O Woman, Great Is Your Faith Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Aug 16, 2020

Cleansing the heart and intentions is way more important than ceremonial washing of hands, even in the time of COVID-19

20th Sunday in Course 2020 My ancestors came mostly from Ireland, although the coat of arms we display in our home, that says “Cunningham,” is actually Scottish. I suppose that confirms the British suspicion that the Irish tend toward appropriating the property of others. Nonetheless, the fact ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 56:1-7, Romans 11:13-32, Matthew 15:21-28, John 19:26-27

Denomination: Catholic