Sermons on trials and difficult:

“from Tragedy To Triumph”

Contributed by Dave Mcfadden on Aug 26, 2013

David is led by God from tragedy to triumph.

George Sweeting, a former president and chancellor of the Moody Bible Institute, once observed that there are three things to remember concerning trials we encounter in life: 1. Trials are a common experience of all of us. No one is immune. Trials are a part of living. 2. Trials are transitory. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30:1-31

Denomination: Baptist

Painful But Profitable Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 11, 2023

Message 1 in a series through James that helps us explore the relationship between faith and works in our lives. James was the half-brother of Jesus and the leader of the church in Jerusalem.

Today, we’re starting a new series through the New Testament book of James called Faith & Works. I truly believe that you won’t find a more practical book in the entire Bible than James. Some of you may remember the For Dummies series of books that became popular 20-30 years ago and are still ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How To Help Resolve Conflicts With Difficult People

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Conflict resolution is exemplified in Acts 15 by James and the apostles.

ILlustration: Many people find themselves stuck in ruts unable to find a way out of their conflicts. Millions in North America suffer from depression because they are unable to properly channel their feelings of anger, resentment and frustration.Unconsciously, people take out their exasperation ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When You're Facing A Difficult Decision Series

Contributed by Bob Hostetler on Jul 11, 2001

7 principles for sound decision-making drawn from the life of Moses

The Prince of Egypt: When You’re Facing a Difficult Decision Text: Numbers 11, Exodus 18 It was the hardest decision of my life. Robin and I had served for twelve years as officers—ministers— in The Salvation Army, and for not quite a year we had been pastoring a Salvation Army church in ...read more

Scripture: Numbers 11:10-30, Exodus 18:14-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Simple, Difficult And Necessary Question; A Christmas Reflection

Contributed by Daren Mitchell on Dec 26, 2012

It’s Spiritually necessary for us to contemplate our journey with God and ask one simple question with huge implications. “Have I sold out my life for Jesus?”

I enjoy a Christmas Eve service. I find it ironic though that most of us perceive this service as being a quiet and reflective time. Of course Christmas is the celebration of Jesus’ birthday, so it’s great we have candles, but, don’t you find it kind of odd that we celebrate his ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Deal With Difficult People, Pt. 2

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 14, 2012

This is so contrary to our nature, that not many practice it. Just make sure you do!

How to Deal with Difficult People, pt. 2 Romans 12:14-21 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/120815pm.mp3 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons.html vv. 1-2 Relationship w/ God vv. 3-13 Relationship w/ believers vv. 14-21 Relationship w/ unbelievers in general, and difficult people in particular...when they’re ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:16-21

Denomination: Baptist

Ruth - Life Lessons During Difficult Times Series

Contributed by Scott Kircher on Apr 5, 2013

We all face difficult times in life. It is helpful to know what to expect when we face difficult times so we can prepare to respond in a way that will glorify the Lord and be beneficial to us. What can we learn from the story of Ruth so that we can face

Ruth – Life Lessons during difficult times Ruth 1:1 – 4:21 Running from God does not prove beneficial (Ruth 1:1-5) Following God will lead to… Times of Sacrifice Provision of Needs The Hope of Redemption Intro Slide Good Evening/Morning, We are so glad you are here today. ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living In His Presence During Difficult Times

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Jun 19, 2018

Life is crushingly hard and so often it presents burdens our hearts are unable to bear in our own strength. The key truth is that God is with us through it all. We are not alone even as we walk through the darkest valley.

Living in His Presence during Difficult Times Psalm 23:1-4 Philippians 4:13 As our summer break began a young family suffered the sudden and unexpected death of their infant daughter. Such loss is unimaginable to comprehend. All of our hearts were broken by this news and we are at a loss to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-4, John 14:15-17

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Why God Places Us In Difficult Relationships Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 24, 2025

God's ways are often mysterious, and His plans may involve placing us in challenging relationships, including those with narcissistic individuals.

God's ways are often mysterious, and His plans may involve placing us in challenging relationships, including those with narcissistic individuals. Here are few examples of why God might do so: To refine our character: Difficult relationships can help us develop patience, empathy, and ...read more

Paul's Difficult Journey To Rome Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 14, 2024

And Paul took his mission seriously. For two full years it looks like the entire Praetorian guard rotated through his house, one legion member at a time.

Saturday of the 7th Week of Easter 2024 If you have been following the readings from the Acts of the Apostles every day in our service, it looks like Paul appealed to Caesar yesterday and magically he is entering Rome today. That’s because we left off on chapter 25 yesterday and opened up to the ...read more

Scripture: John 21:20-25, Acts 28:16-31

Denomination: Catholic

Faith In The Storm

Contributed by Jamel Salter on Oct 11, 2010

Difficult times or "Storms" are a normal part of life. We all go through problems from time to time. During those times we will respond in one of two ways. Either we respond in fear, or we respond in Faith.

Mark 4:35-41 35 On the same day, when evening had come, He said to them, "Let us cross over to the other side." 36 Now when they had left the multitude, they took Him along in the boat as He was. And other little boats were also with Him. 37 And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41

Denomination: *other

Living Our Faith In Real Life Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on May 3, 2021

The God-ordained trip for Paul consists of a very difficult voyage. We see his faith in God despite the ordeal. God is sovereign, present and in control in our trials and tribulations.

How often do your plans start well but then somehow moved into chaos? You make all the arrangements but then disaster strikes. • Where do you turn to in times of crisis? When you have done all that you possibly can, what’s next? Are we going to give up or still stick with God? • Welcome to Acts ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:27-44

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Two Faces Of Faith: Triumph And Trial

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Apr 9, 2020

It’s easy to trust God when the sea is parting, when the walls of Jericho are falling, when His voice is clearly coming through to our spirit. But what about those days when God is silent? Discovering both sides of Faith!

There is a faith receives what it believes, and a faith that believes beyond what it receives. Text: Hebrews 11:13-16 "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:2-40

Denomination: Methodist

Trials Are Life - Giving And Life - Changing

Contributed by Gregory Mc Donald on Oct 16, 2002

James is calling us to a new way of thinking in times of trials. Consider it pure joy, because the Lord is there every step of the way

TRIALS “ARE” LIFE-GIVING AND LIFE CHANGING JAMES 1:2-4 Pastor Greg Mc Donald How many here have ever seen a golf ball...or held one in your hand? Probably all of you. Well, did you know that when they first manufactured golf balls, they made them smooth. But later on it was discovered that ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4

Keeping You From The Hour Of Trial.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jan 21, 2021

What is the Key of David? The Key of David is a term found in Revelation and Isaiah. A key indicates control or authority; therefore, having the Key of David would give one control of David’s domain, Jerusalem, the City of David, and the kingdom of Israel.

Keeping You From the Hour Of Trial. Revelation 3:7-13TPT These verses were written to the Christians in the Asian city of Philadelphia in about A.D. 96, John, in the book of Revelation, assured those in Philadelphia that they were, indeed, the heirs to salvation. Revelation3:7TPT Write the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13, James 1:2-4

Denomination: Pentecostal