Sermons on Unexpected Circumstances:

The Thrill Of Hope

Contributed by David Dunn on Dec 21, 2025

Christmas reveals God’s unstoppable light, breaking chains and restoring hope through unlikely people, unexpected places, and redeeming love.

There are certain songs we hear so often that they begin to fade into the background. They become part of the seasonal wallpaper—pleasant, familiar, predictable. Christmas music, especially, can do that to us. You hear it in grocery stores. In elevators. On hold with customer service. Played ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:9-11, Isaiah 9:2, John 1:5, Galatians 3:28, 2 Corinthians 5:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The God Who Brings Water Out Of A Rock Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Sep 19, 2025

God has unlimited power to provide, even from the most impossible and unexpected sources, when His people trust Him completely.

THE GOD WHO BRINGS WATER OUT OF A ROCK By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Exodus 17:1-7 Key Verse: “He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river.” – Psalm 105:41 Supporting Texts: Numbers 20:7-11; Isaiah 43:19-20; 1 Corinthians 10:4; Psalm ...read more

Scripture: Exodus 17:1-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

I Have Seen The Lord! Series

Contributed by Brian Williams on Apr 11, 2023

This is the narrative of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This was such a radical event in human history that it turned the world upside down.

1 Early on Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 2 She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we ...read more

Scripture: John 20:1-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

God's Assassin Series

Contributed by Johnny Wilson on Aug 30, 2010

After a short story based on Judges 3 to introduce the text, this sermon notes how God uses unexpected leaders and how God's leaders overturn idols.

In an attempt to capture some of the drama of this passage, I want to attempt something different as an introduction to the text. I hope you’ll follow along in your Bibles when I get to the meat of the sermon, but I thought I’d introduce the sermon by reading a short story I’ve ...read more

Scripture: Judges 3:12-31

Denomination: *other

Faithful Through The Challenges

Contributed by John Dobbs on Nov 1, 2020

Our text introduces us to a man who is no stranger to difficult circumstances and challenges - but remains faithful.

Faithful Through the Challenges 1 Kings 17 Introduction We are living in one of the most challenging times. The pandemic, the election, the weather, personal challenges. We try to face these challenges from the perspective of faith. Our text introduces us to a man who is no stranger to ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why?

Contributed by Stephan Brown on Aug 26, 2002

Illustrates from Habakkuk and the life of Joseph how God works in all of our lifes circumstances. Demonstrates how beautifully even the bad circumstances can be turned to good.

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 1 This is the message that the prophet Habakkuk received from the LORD in a vision. 2 How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! "Violence!" I cry, but you do not come to save. 3 Must I forever see this sin and misery all around me? Wherever I look, I see ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 1:1-4, Hebrews 10:37-38

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Wisdom: The Eyes Have It Series

Contributed by Johnny Creasong on Nov 3, 2006

When the circumstances around you look like you should do something you know God has forbidden, who do you trust, the circumstances or the Savior?

Wisdom: The Eyes Have It Proverbs 1:1-7 His car dealership is filled with exotic cars: Bentleys, Cadillacs, “Beamers”, and “’Vettes. With a rainbow of colors available, David Jones of Worcestershire, England, is one sharp dealer. Recently, he added the Internet to his sales force and eBay is ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 1:1-7

Denomination: Church Of God

Tomatoes, Squash, Zucchini

Contributed by Marilyn Murphree on Aug 25, 2008

God’s answer to a poor economy and how to position ourselves for increase. God can change dire circumstances and cause a turnaround to occur in the most discouraging of times or circumstances.

Valley Grove Assembly of God September 14, 2008 Tomatoes, Squash, and Zucchini II Corinthians 9:6-15 INTRODUCTION: How many of you like bacon and tomato sandwiches? Last year I planted one tomato plant in the front landscaping. It was a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Denomination: Methodist

God's Amazing Grace

Contributed by Scott Carmer on Jan 16, 2006

God’s grace is sufficient to keep us, no matter what our age or station in life.

God’s Amazing Grace I Corinthians 12:1-10 January 15, 2006 My grandma and grandpa Lovell lived on a farm just over the Indiana/Michigan line north of Orland. They moved off the farm when I was just five years old, but I still remember great times that we had there. My grandpa died about seven ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:12-20

Denomination: Methodist

The Big Finish Series

Contributed by David Asch on Nov 21, 2005

You never know what circumstance or what person God will use to accomplish something extraordinary…

THE BIG FINISH Ruth 4:13-22 INTRO: At a young age, George Herman Ruth was left at St. Mary’s Industrial School, where he met brother Matthias. It was there that “Babe” Ruth learned about baseball. [Clip from The Babe] You never know what circumstance or what person God will use to accomplish ...read more

Scripture: Ruth 4:13-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Peter's Path To Power

Contributed by Ron Theis on Jul 8, 2010

Just like we do, Peter's path from fisherman to preacher took some unexpected twists and turns, yet God still used him in a mighty way.

PETER’S PATH TO POWER Luke 22:31-32, 60-61 INTRODUCTION A. Peter’s Denials of Christ 1. We have been studying Peter on Wed. nights for 5 months. a. I would hope we have learned a lot from this marvelous man Jesus named the rock b. The rock that Jesus would build His church ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:31-32

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus In The Storm With Us

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Jun 20, 2003

Christian faith is secure only when we recognize and live daily with the assurance that God is always with us, even in the storms of life.

JESUS IN THE STORM WITH US Scripture: Matthew 14:22-36 and Psalm 29:1-11 INTRODUCTION: Christian faith is secure only when we recognize and live daily with the assurance that God is always with us, even in the storms of life. Most of us are acquainted with the story recorded in Matthew’s gospel ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 29:1-11, Matthew 14:22-36

Denomination: Pentecostal

When Shipwreck Threatens Series

Contributed by Wes Richard on Nov 26, 2007

Scripture offers three anchors when life is headed for shipwreck

Last Tuesday, I began preparing this sermon. During that day, three people experiencing shipwreck came sailing into my life. Let me tell you about one of them. His name is Bill. I decided to replace the broken door on the church storage shed while the weather was still warm and was crossing ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:20-25

Denomination: Brethren

The Source Of Our Peace Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Feb 12, 2004

Looking at one of Jesus’ most stressful day and understand how, in the midst of unexpected news, demands and storms, He is able to find peace and composure.

Experiencing the Peace of Jesus - Jesus Under Pressure It’s Sunday. Sundays are always busy days for me. Sundays are always early days for me. Today promised to be no exception. With a full slate of activities planned, I got up early and drove to church. There was not much traffic at 6:00 A.M. I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:12-27

Denomination: Independent/Bible

In The Desperation Comes A Determination

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on May 28, 2016

Have you ever fallen INTO THE DESPERATION, UNEXPECTED NEED, AND THERE GROWS A DETERMINATION, WE SHALL ARISE AND SEE THE PLAN OF GOD DEVELOP --- KEEP KNOCKING !

I HAVE NOTHING --- THE PLACE OF UNEXPECTED NEEDS... IN THE DESPERATION COMES A DETERMINATION THE THE IMPOSSIBLE NEEDS WILL BE SOLVED... By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com TEXT: Mark 13:33 Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is. We walk in perilous times, danger ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:5-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God