Sermons on Tough Circumstances:

Put Your Hope In God

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Feb 22, 2021

This message moves from lament over the tough times (global pandemic) and moves toward putting our hope in God.

Psalm 42:1-11 and Psalm 43:1-5 Title: “Put Your Hope in God” Subject: How does Korah deal with the existential loss of God’s presence? Complement: with lament, memory and hope. Exegetical Idea: The apparent absence of God’s presence causes Korah to lament, remember and hope. Idea: “Put your hope ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 42:1-11, Psalm 43:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

David Lives Among The Philistines Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 3, 2023

“But David thought to himself, “One of these days I will be destroyed by the hand of Saul. The best thing I can do is to escape to the land of the Philistines. Then Saul will give up searching for me anywhere in Israel, and I will slip out of his hand.”

David and his 600 men having been running here and there, constantly pursued by King Saul and the troops of Israel. He’s managed to evade Saul for a long time now, because God is with him. Several times he’s encountered Saul personally now, and spared his life. But David starts to feel like the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 27:1-4

Denomination: Salvation Army

Song Of Faithfullness Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Mar 2, 2016

In every relationship, particularly marriage, there are times when the believer must be faithful, regardless of the challenge.

Allan Petersen, in The Myth of the Greener Grass, tells the story of a group of a dozen married women having lunch together. One woman asked, "How many of you have been faithful to your husbands throughout your marriage?" Only one woman out of the twelve raised her hand. At home that evening, one ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

"this Is The Day The Lord Has Made”

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 18, 2020

The two challenges to joy are adversity and ingratitude. It takes a choice to rejoice; I WILL be glad and rejoice in it! Circumstances don’t determine joy, it comes from the Lord, in spite of circumstances.

"THIS IS THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE” Psalm 118:20-24 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: THE SOUR INTERVIEW 1. Some people have a knack for picking things. Hannah went to a citrus Farm and asked Henry, the manager, if there are any jobs available at the farm. 2. He told her that the only job ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 118:20-24

Denomination: Assembly Of God

God Can Make You Secure Series

Contributed by Glenn Arellano on Jul 17, 2008

In facing challenges of life, we become secure and strong once we know there will be people who will support us to go though with us in tough times. God wants to be with us and more than that He wants to lead us into victory with every tough situation tha

We all need someone to stand with us especially in situations that are challenging and difficult to handle. We need assurance that in everything we do there will be people who will support us and motivate us no matter what happens. The need for a companion makes us confident because it gives us ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 48:35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Don't Lose Heart! Series

Contributed by Joe Dan Vendelin on Nov 14, 2024

It is very possible to lose heart in times of injustice and suffering. This brief outline highlights six uses of the Greek word ekkakeo (to be faint/weary), and provides antidotes to counteract the effect of spiritual, emotional, and physical weariness.

This is an outline of a word study on the Greek word translated as losing heart and growing weary. There are antidotes given as a remedy to not lose heart. The word for “lose heart” is used 6 times in the New Testament. The word is–ekkakeo–Strong's G1573. Here they are In Biblical Order: Luk ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1, 2 Corinthians 4:1, 2 Corinthians 4:16, Galatians 6:9, Ephesians 3:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:13  (view more)  (view less)

Jepthah: From Zero To Hero

Contributed by David Cook on Jun 21, 2009

God can raise great people up from the toughest of circumstances.

Introduction: A man is known for five things in his lifetime. He’s known for his character. That’s who he is. He’s known for his conduct – that’s what he does. He’s known for his conversation – that’s what he says. He is known by his creed – that’s what he believes. He’s known by his ...read more

Scripture: Judges 11:1-29

Denomination: Baptist

What's In A Trial

Contributed by Chris Carter on May 29, 2012

When we go through the tough times in life there are many things we can get out of it.

“What’s in a TRIAL” James 1:2-8 I. T-Test (vs2-3) A. Tests take effort to complete and pass 1. We live in a NOW society 2. Many people live as if things are owed to them and no work is necessary to achieve what they want 3. In turn this is a failure in the spiritual life as ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-8

Denomination: Baptist

Navigating Life's Whitewater

Contributed by Judah Thomas on Oct 21, 2003

We all go through tough times (whitewater) in life. How do you handle the trouble that comes?

In the boat of life, have you ever felt like all of the big waves were coming straight at you? Maybe, in a matter of moments, your world was turned upside down. You’ve suddenly gone from calm to chaos, from peace to perplexity. · The pink slip comes. · The doctor calls. · The divorce papers ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 42:2, Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Night Time Ain't So Bad Series

Contributed by Ken Hubbard on Feb 11, 2010

A message about how the tough "night times" of our lives make us stronger and deepen our faith

INTRO VIDEO Rocky III Clip EXPLAIN Video Clip - If you're going to survive the battles - If you're going to survive what the enemy throws at you - If you're going to survive... 1. You Need a Tribe You Won't Get Voted Off 2. Can't Go Over the Hedge 3. You Can't Curse Your Crisis 4. ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 17:3-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

David's Cave - Five Keys To Victory 1 Of 4 Series

Contributed by Troy Campbell on Apr 5, 2016

David faced some tough challenges, but through it all he learned how to get victory in every situation.

Title: How To Behave In A Cave – 2 “David’s Cave – Five Keys to Victory – 1” Text: I Samuel 22:1 Last week I started a very powerful series on “How to Behave in a Cave.” I know that many people were touched by the power of the Holy Ghost ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

David's Cave - Five Keys To Victory 1 Of 4 Series

Contributed by Troy Campbell on Apr 5, 2016

David faced some tough challenges, but through it all he learned how to get victory in every situation.

Title: How To Behave In A Cave – 2 “David’s Cave – Five Keys to Victory – 1” Text: I Samuel 22:1 Last week I started a very powerful series on “How to Behave in a Cave.” I know that many people were touched by the power of the Holy Ghost ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

"Let Today Be The Day" Series

Contributed by Brad Henry on Aug 21, 2014

God is faithful to forgive us but we have a tough time forgiving ourselves. This lesson will set you free.

The Ultimate Decision August 21, 2014 One evening I had the chance to meet with a man who was special forces in Vietnam. I was sharing the gospel with him and when I was done he looked at me and said , Not Me. I asked him politely why and he said, “ I have done the unforgivable”. In ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:9

Equipped For Trouble Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Mar 26, 2014

Life on earth, the road we travel on our journey, is tough; in fact, the Bible clearly states that life is a battle.

“The Journey of a Lifetime: Equipped for Trouble” Eph. 6:10-20 I once saw a poster which showed a little clapboard church surrounded by an X-rated drive-in theater, a munitions factory across the street, and miles of concrete freeway crammed with cars. Two church members were standing ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:10-20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

I Have Learned To Be Content

Contributed by Tommy Ellis on May 10, 2002

Sermon describes the difficulty of being content, even in the best of circumstances. Believers are then admonished to be content, even in the worst of circumstances--through faith in Jesus.

I HAVE LEARNED TO BE CONTENT Have you ever suffered terribly, and somebody said to you, “I know how you feel?” Perhaps you wanted to slap them and say, “You’ve never been where I am–you do NOT know how I feel.” Today, we will read of the Apostle Paul’s admonition to be content in all ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-14, Philippians 4:11-12

Denomination: Pentecostal