Sermons on Trials And Difficulties:

The Refiner’s Fire

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 13, 2022

In this passage, Ezekiel described the Babylonian exile as being the crucible in which Israel was melted down, and the godly (the silver) were separated from the unrighteous (the dross). The purpose of the refiner's fire is spiritual purification.

I wish to begin our message with an illustration: There was a dedicated Christian woman who once visited a tourist attraction, which happened to be a working replica of a pioneer village; and one of the manned displays she observed was a silversmith shop. The woman watched the silversmith as he ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 22:17-22

Denomination: Baptist

How Paul Made The Most Out Of His Difficulties

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 23, 2001

Follow Paul’s example as one who learned how to turn difficulties into catalysts for Godly change

Learning How Paul Made the Most of the Life’s Difficulties (2 Cor. 6:3-13) Illustration:John Quincy Adams held more important offices than anyone else in the history of the U.S. He served with distinction as president, senator, congressman, minister to major European powers, and participated in ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 6:3-13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

I Am The True Vine Series

Contributed by Allan Kircher on Apr 18, 2012

The Gardener is involved in everything that has to do with the Vine.

John 15:1-11 JESUS: THE TRUE VINE Intro: The last verse in chapter 14 tells us that Jesus and the Disciples are about to leave the upper room. • They are headed/Garden/Gethsemane where Jesus will pray His great High Priestly prayer • Later be arrested by the mob led by Judas. ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-11

Denomination: Baptist

"Knocked Down,not Knocked Out"

Contributed by Joseph Conrad Edpao on Nov 12, 2004

Many Christians who experience great trials in life often think that there is no hope. Here are 3 reasons why there is hope even in the midst of the most hurting trial that we experience.

INTRODUCTION: Life on earth is a test. Sounds familiar? Yes, this is a statement from Rick Warren¡¦s The Purpose Driven Life. ¡§You are always being tested. God constantly watches your response to people, problems, success, conflict, illness, disappointment, and even the weather!¡¨ We must ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

From The Mouth . . . Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Sep 30, 2024

A series from the book of James.

Straight from the Mouth James 1, Romans 5:3-5, 8:31-39 September 8, 2024 Back in the Vietnam war era, the White House Press Secretary was Ron Zeigler. During a press conference he made a statement that was proven to be false that very night. When he was asked about it the next day, Zeigler ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8:31-39

Denomination: Baptist

Forging Our Faith

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Sep 4, 2025

"Forging our Faith" involves the ways in which trials, demands, delays, and daily dependence on God shape and reinforce our reliance on His promises and power. Faith is not developed in a vacuum but in the context of real-world challenges ...

OPENING ILLUSTRATION: Imagine a blacksmith forging a sword. The process begins with raw, unshaped metal. The blacksmith must heat this metal to extremely high temperatures, making it malleable enough to be hammered, shaped, and ultimately refined into a strong, sharp blade fit for ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:6

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Understand Bait? Seasons Of Trials!

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Aug 19, 2015

Seasons of testing are neither good or bad, they are neutral. It is how we handle these situations... We need toUNDERSTAND: to know meaning or know how, to grasp, to be familiar, to achieve, this test is an opportunity for promotion.

UNDERSTAND BAIT? TRY TO UNDERSTAND TRIALS AND TEMPTATIONS... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com I. LET US DEFINE SOME TERMS WE NEED TO DEVELOP: Seasons of test are neither good or bad, they are neutral. It is how we handle these situations... A. UNDERSTAND: to know meaning or know ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Post Pentecostal Trials And Their Benefits!!!

Contributed by Suresh Manoharan on Jun 2, 2025

To bring out the benefits which accrued to the Early Church on account of persecution. The truths thereof are very much appilcable to us too!!!

Post Pentecostal Trials and their benefits!!! Let's get it straight...being at the receiving end of persecution is indeed painful. But have we considered that our Heavenly Father in His infinite wisdom permits it for our benefits. In this Message, Yours Truly is inspired to share ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8, Acts 8:1, Acts 11:19-21, Romans 5:4, James 1:2-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: *other

"My Grace Is Sufficient”

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 1, 2020

The Lord Jesus promised us that His grace would be sufficient to sustain us, no matter what difficulties we encounter. This grace can flow from Him because He suffered worse than any human. He feels what we feel!

“MY GRACE IS SUFFICIENT” 2 Cor. 12:7-9 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. A couple was celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. They had both been exemplary people. Suddenly an angel appeared in front of them; “I have come to grant each of you one request: what have you always wished for?” 2. The ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-9

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Maintaining Happinessduringtrials Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Oct 2, 2020

God will use every opportunity—good or bad—to spread the message of Jesus.

Maintaining Happiness During Trials Jeffery Anselmi / General Be Happy / Suffering; Happiness / Philippians 1:18–30 God will use every opportunity—good or bad—to spread the message of Jesus. INTRODUCTION • One of the things we dread in life is facing trials and experiencing suffering. • When we ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:18-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Be Encouraged! Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Dec 19, 2012

As we walk through difficulties in life, one of the best ways to get perspective and see our way through to the end is encouragement. David shows us the best way possible to become encouraged!

David appears to be in a jam in this psalm (what else is new?). Some think that this psalm is related to Psalm 25—that the same situation is going on. It appears to be a revolt by the ruling class who are taking “bribes” (vs 10) and not acting in integrity in their relationship ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Giving Of Thanks In The Times Of Trials

Contributed by Pat Cook on Oct 14, 2003

We are told to give thanks IN everything, and give thanks FOR everything? Is this logical? Is this possible?

1 Thessalonians 5:18; Ephesians 5:20 – The Giving of Thanks in the Times of Trials This is a list of things housewives are most thankful for: *For automatic dishwashers because they make it possible for us to get out of the kitchen before the family comes back in for their after-dinner ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Ephesians 5:20

Denomination: Baptist

Every Life Is Touched By Trials Series

Contributed by Ed Taylor on Apr 21, 2008

None of us can sidestep the pains, problems, sorrows, and sufferings of life!

1. Everything UNDER THE SUN is vanity & emptiness. a. That’s the testimony of King Solomon. He had it all. b. Money. Wisdom. Women. Possessions. Power. Prestige. c. But it didn’t do it for him. It left him empty & hollow. d. He writes the book of Ecclesiastes to tell us how it went. e. At the end ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Providing Comfort During Trials

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on May 13, 2021

How do we respond to those who are enduring hardships? Do we dish out criticism and judgment, or do we show genuine compassion? The experience from our own trials can help us better minister to those in trouble and anguish.

Samuel Chadwick said, “Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticize and condemn; but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but it takes heart to comfort.”(1) How do we respond to those who are enduring hardship? Do we dish out criticism and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Denomination: Baptist

God Our Rescuer - God Our King Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Sep 24, 2012

Psalms 2 & 3 show us that God is in charge no matter how the human default condition of rebellion tries to get in the way. They also show us that when faced with difficulty there are four things we do naturally that make our troubles worse, and four ways

Our world today is moving faster and faster away from faith in God. In fact, the very existence of God is regularly called into question. In every part of our culture you are marked as narrow-minded, ignorant, uncool, hateful, bigoted, and foolish for trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior. ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel