You can tell God how you feel and in what areas of your life you are struggling to trust Him. I sure hope attendance at your church was better than my church. Your privacy is important to us; well keep your email to ourselves. I have firm faith that my soul is saved by the grace and mercy of the Triune God, and not by any accomplishment or merit of my own. Advent 2022, week 2: During this series, we are looking at how hope, peace, joy and love are at the heart of Christmas. It reminds you that He is trustworthy whatever your circumstances. Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs. Another message on the awesome power of God! 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:28, Denomination: He wants to help you grow your faith. James 1:2-12: In a trial or hardship? Neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.. As INTRODUCTION We should rejoice. No theory here. We need to know how to survive as the culture turns against us. To have one husband murdered and another one disintegrate body, soul and spirit through cancer, is not what you would call a proof of the love of God. Thats a picture of what God is up to in our fiery trials. We all have to undergo some furnace time sooner or later. Hard times make us seek answers. 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Lossyes. A victim believes his hard times have come because God is trying to punish him. It may seem so at the time, but its not really true. Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, 12. A friend or family member betrays you. Christian Church. Opt out at any time. But those things alone are not reliable enough to base your life on. What we believe about the gospel and our call to serve every nation. My Probably never heard of Patricia Christy, but she is a woman who found out the hard way that you cant run away from the problems of life. There are no accidents with God, only incidents that are appointed by him for our good and his glory. Difficult situations are not new to any generation. The car hit a massive pothole and suddenly the happy journey is over. Paul reminded his friend that partnership is important and helps us have a greater understanding of God and His plan. Hard times are nothing new. Matthew 25:31-46. read more, Scripture: Many Christian writers and counselors will give you a specific course of action to use on each type of difficult person. Even in tragic circumstances, there will be light and grace. God wants to encourage us during hard times. As inhabitants of a fallen world, we oftentimes face heartache, intimidation, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles. But as children of God, saved and secure in Jesus, we are never beyond the reach of the Lords encouragement. Are you nuts? read more, Scripture: Think of one of the hardest times in your life; what question would you like answered? The word of God is used to defend. Matthew 22:15-22, Denomination: 2. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. I love the enthusiasm of the younger generation for the Word of God. A staff can bring comfort, assurance, confidence and support. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you (v. 6). 2) This is necessary for my spiritual growth. The words joy or rejoice are to be found in all four chapters of the book. Joy to many people speaks of a pep rally or a champagne party or a New Years Eve bash. My message will be rather brief this morning (no cheering, please! When Jesus was telling His followers that He was going to be killed, He knew that they would be worried. Many of us want to trust God. Presbyterian/Reformed. (part 6), - Series: Inspire! Difficult situations are not new to any generation. Scripture: When times are good, it can feel easier. Hard times can confuse us and make us ask the wrong questions or expect wrong If we need any of the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), it will be produced in us. When you find yourself in a valley or some dark place, such as a sickness or feeling depressed, a spiritual attack or a loss of some kind, its not the place you find yourself in that is important so much as the one who is with you. You are quite likely to be filled with a whole bag of negative emotions. We know that he wrote very early because the book is addressed to the twelve tribes scattered abroad (1:1), meaning the very earliest Jewish believers who had been scattered because of the persecution of the church in Jerusalem (see Acts 8:1-3). We live in a madcap world that work the whole night and sleep the whole day with no time for self or family. You can have an easy life, or you can have a deep faith. Now that you know what it means to trust God, how exactly can you do that in your everyday life? We all have a story. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. Consider these words by Roy Zuck: For the child of God, there are no accidents, only incidents. That may be the best one-sentence summary of Romans 8:28 Ive ever seen. # WHO is a Diligent person? I have a friend who within the space of two years lost his job of 30 years, found a new job that required him to relocate, and then was diagnosed with cancer. Exodus 16:13-14 Thanks Under pressure we begin to give in to bad habits, wrong attitudes, and then we begin the long slide in the wrong direction. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. Church Of God. Today well learn about the remarkable offer of peace: Who is it for? Genesis 16:1-10. 1-3a). Everybody in life is bound to pass thru hard time. He is bigger than any of your circumstances. Acts 20:22-31. They want to know if what we say we believe is really enough for us in the hard times. Truthfully, its probably a choice well have to make again and again and again. Hope and Encouragement. What does it do? Learn how and where to find Gods presence in the midst of difficult, lonely circumstances. Just straight talk from Jesus brother about what works and what doesnt work in the Christian life. John 11:1-45: Ever wondered, God, where are you? This message helps us understand that the power of God is revealed in difficult situations. James offers what appears to be a strange piece of advice: Consider it pure joy or Count it all joy (KJV). When no one seems to care about you, self-love can make you stronger. A) I read about a man that was sitting at home one evening when the doorbell rang! Luke 18:26-27, Genesis 18:9-14. We often see the full flowering of this process in the life of an older saint of God. United Methodist. Thats a revolutionary thought to some people. Trust in God with Sermons in Difficult Times It is hardest to trust God during times of conflict, uncertainty, and anxiety. And especially, in times of sickness, plague, even death. This is the question on many peoples minds: If God does indeed love us so much, why does he still allow hardships and suffering? This week we learn how Gods expression of love is witnessed in the birth of Jesus. To apprehend Gods sovereignty working in that love is we must say it the last and highest victory of the faith that overcomes the world. Someone who takes his/her work seriously and who does it well and rapidly A Christmas sermon describing how Christ can be born into the most difficult of circumstances. Be blessed? Interesting question. read more, Scripture: Its meant to help you grow in faith and prepare your heart to focus on the real reason for the season: Jesus! Allow your other senses to heighten. There Is Nothing Too Hard For The Lord (John 14:26, NIV). read more, Scripture: Psalm 34:19, Acts 14:22, Denomination: 10 words of encouragement during hard times Ive learned that you can keep going long after you think you cant Not all positive change feels positive in the beginning. Thats not possible as long as you focus on the trial itself. Jesus loves you back to wholeness. Love or hatred. Satan tempts us to fall away during our trials. Methodist. read more, Scripture: Located minutes from downtown Pleasanton, in the San Francisco Bay Area, East Bay. JUDE 17-21 A student has no time to complain because he is busy making the best of his situation. But Gods grace is in all things. Discouragement is part of life. It seems that this is the deep theological response to all calamity. If my experience can help someone else, feel free to use this information. Will you choose to live Gods best for you, no matter the circumstances? It isnt natural to find joy in hardship. The Coffin and the Christmas Tree Sermon: Persevere in Obedience - Jeremiah 37, 38; Scriptures: Jeremiah 20:1-13. Introduction: 13. It is not pretending that everything is OK when it isnt. This message explores important questions about your faith and commitment to God. But as xtians we have antidotes against hard It may even bring you to the end of your strength. It was not to be. Maybe its about starting over and creating something new. In many parts of the world it is dangerous even to be a read more, Scripture: He never leaves. Intro: People, by nature, are inquisitive. Or someone you trusted may start spreading lies about you. The Holy Spirit will lead you to what you should do. He uses hard times to put our faith to the test. Difficult circumstances feel all-consuming at times. Are you open to what the Lord wants to do in your life? He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and therefore is worthy of your trust. CT: Gods way is often the Hard Way. Look up and call out to Jesus. Joy or bitterness. Baptist. Gentleness or stubbornness. Or all three. John 21:1-19: You are valuable to God. Whatever youre facing, victory is just ahead. However, when we begin to love others as we love ourselves And those who are following ever so close to him. No doubt our main problem comes because we misunderstand the word joy. In contemporary parlance, the word is virtually a synonym for happiness. Jesus is never tolerant of sin, but always willing to forgive it. Spend regular time with God. read more, Scripture: Meet with other believers and set your eyes on things that are bigger than your circumstances. Dont let your emotions rule your life; bring them to God so He can help you address them. Jesus guaranteed His followers that they would face hard times (John 16:33), but He promised that He would always be with them (Matthew 28:20). The great danger is that we will try to short-circuit the process by running away from our problems. read more, Scripture: Volunteer abroad this year on a short term global missions trip offered by one of the best, most-reliable Christian missions organizations in the world. Even in doubt and uncertainty, if you keep going to Him, He will continually show Himself to be trustworthy. Or the boss decides that we arent the right fit, whatever that means. You may have heard Psalm 23 many times, but I want to focus on one verse: Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4, NIV). Fear not, Christian friend. WebWe need to continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:23). After Davids initial prayer (25:1-7), he pauses to review who the Lord is. Most often they come through and with and alongside our trials. 1. Gods mercy is limitless. CORONAVIRUS. To trust is to believe in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of something. You show up to practice every day, giving it your all, but you lose every game. She and her husband Jim joined a group of missionaries reaching out to the Auca Indians of Ecuador. 1 Samuel 17:40-54: Need to experience victory? A victim feels so sorry for himself that he has no time for others. What happened to her can happen to any of us if we respond wrongly to hard times. Get the latest service information, weekly sermon, and other updates. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Matthew 5:1-12: Did you know there are divine blessings available to you? Philippians 4:1-8, Dealing With Difficult People Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (v. 1). How many times have we heard the first part of this text quoted? By not running away from the trials that come your way. Colossians 3:17-25: Whats the key to true peace? Gods unchanging character can give us a firm foundation when things feel unsteady and uncertain. But during a period of loneliness, she fell in with a bad crowd and began to dabble in sin. In fact, this is the opposite of chance or circumstance. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. Note two key words in the last phrase. God is much more concerned with how you respond than with the trial itself. Someone who performs with intense concentration and focus If you dont need this sermon today, put it in your back pocket because you will definitely need it tomorrow! There is a process involved in our trials that leads to a product. Dealing With Difficult People Series. I will share common types of difficult behavior in a few minutes, but I want to lay a proper foundation first. Romans 5:3-4 spells out how this process works: We also rejoice in our afflictions,because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character,and proven character produces hope. We all want hope, but we dont want affliction. I dont know what the future holds for Nabeel, but as I pray for his healing, I also pray that his faith might remain strong. This message is for you! But the result is the pure gold of Christlike character. But you can control how you respondin faith or unbelief, in humility or arrogance, in forgiveness or in anger, in hope or in despair. Recently I spent a week teaching the book of James at Word of Life Bible Institute in Hudson, Florida. I conclude, then, that counting it all joy is a conscious choice we make when hard times come. The staff is used to correct, restrain, and pull to safety. When you are struggling, share those concerns with another follower of Jesus whom you trust someone you know is pursuing a relationship with God regularly and who knows Gods Word. As I survey the New Testament teaching regarding trials, two truths stand out. People kill each other. What do you do when your world caves in? Nothing is too hard: Do your daily decisions reflect Godly living? If you want hope to flood your heart, it starts with affliction that leads to endurance that produces proven character that results in the Holy Spirit filling us with hope. James was evidently the half-brother of Jesus, meaning that he was the biological son of Joseph and Mary. Everybody in life is bound to pass thru hard time. No one is exempt, no one gets a trouble-free ride to heaven. Life is like that for all of us. This short message helps us look at how our choices matter each day because they add up to the direction were headed. It is hardest to trust God during times of conflict, uncertainty, and 2. Lets BE DELIGENT. Your goals, finances, health and outlook seem bright. Our hard times are designed to bring us closer to the Lord. We have been looking this month at the book of Philippians. He will sustain you and grow your faith in the waiting. Thats what Paul feared for the Thessalonians. All things do not work for the good for all people. Hard work! No, in the midst of the storm, I do not have to worry about my salvation, and for that I praise you, God. God is bigger than your circumstances. God is present and is making Himself known. The Holy Spirit is your constant helper, pointing you to Jesus. There are two ways of life. They dont know, they arent sure, maybe theyve read the Bible, maybe they havent, but theyre watching how we respond to mistreatment, malicious accusations, sickness, the loss of a job, the end of our marriage, a career setback, or a financial collapse. Job 5:7 reminds us that man is born for trouble as surely as the sparks fly upward. I see no way to deny that statement. Do you have any idea what Ive just been through? It does sound rather idealistic, if not downright impossible. Third, he tempts us to give in to despair and discouragement. Look for Things to Be Grateful For. Because most of the time you dont have a choice about the bad things that happen to you. If youre struggling, this short message from the heart is for you. INTRODUCTION Just as practically no one will tell you to go away if you ask them how you can pray for them, there is a tremendous openness to discussions with others of matters of life and faith when you have just told them you have cancer. This is battle-tested faith that stands up under withering fire from the enemy and does not cut and run. When hard times come, its easy to blame God for our problems. A rod is a sign of power and strength to defend against attacks. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. Every word of this verse is crucial. (He told his conversion story in the bestseller Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus.) He always sees them and is always working for their good. Even some mature Christians react this way, as evidenced by Pauls words of reassurance to Timothy many years later. This passage shows us three things we need to remember if we are going to pass the test with flying colors. In 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8 Paul writes to some new believers who suddenly found themselves in great difficulty. A sermon examining the fact that God is all powerful. God cares about them both. You work hard, but you don't make progress. Faith in Gods Presencethat he is with us in the darkest moments of life. Live in another country building relationships and ministries with eternal impact. In a call from a friend. Heres a working definition: Joy is deep satisfaction that comes from knowing that God is in control even when my circumstances seem to be out of control. A touch from the shepherds staff and the presence of his rod is reassuring to the heart. read more, Scripture: Will you say yes today? He wants you to learn to trust Him as you get to know Him. You may feel alone. You should not let your circumstances shape your relationship with God. The dross rose to the surface and was skimmed off, leaving only pure gold. When he announced his cancer in a Facebook post, he went on to give this testimony: In the past few days my spirits have soared and sank as I pursue the Lords will and consider what the future might look like, but never once have I doubted this: that Jesus is Lord, His blood has paid my ransom, and by His wounds I am healed. God knows you need somewhere to go when you feel unsure. They havent lived long enough. Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? When those you love are in great pain or when you face senseless tragedy or when friends turn against you or when life tumbles in around you, your feelings wont be an accurate guide. Which do you choose? Here Paul plainly says that we can overcome our trials by faith. * When he answered the door, a six-foot tall cockroach was standing there. Thats what James is talking about. And sin has deeply infected the human bloodstream. - Resurrecting Hope, part 3, Are You Living Like You Love God? Every hard trial is another step on the stairway that leads from earth to heaven. You need only to look. Someone has counted over 50 commands in these five chapters. For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. Here is the final truth about hard times you need to know. This message tells us how to avoid distractions. Trusting God is not about ignoring your feelings or reality. All of us shall encounter loss, sorrow, disappointment, and disillusionment, The word trial comes from a Greek word that has the idea of being under the thumb because of pressure from above. So He shared this with them to give them comfort. The Lord your shepherd is always with you. We need to remember that trials are not entirely negative. WebFree Access to Sermons on Revelation End Times, Church Sermons, Illustrations on Revelation End Times, and Preaching Slides on Revelation End Times. Church Of God. We are a troubled people living on a troubled planet. Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. Some people may regard this as a negative, but to me it is a positive. Were I to take away the pain, I might move too soon and block Gods work in your life. Let the Lord minister to you through the resources of the body of Christ. * The You dont get it in the good times. Allow the word of God to light your path and the Holy Spirit to be a very present help. Or you may be fired without warning. Web5 Best Sermon Themes for Difficult Times 1. Learn about Cru's global leadership team. Lift up your head in hard times and look for the Son of Man. In the last few days, Ive heard about prodigal children, aging parents, worries about the future, divorce, breast cancer, an infant with a serious medical condition, children far from God, Christians dealing with doubt, others with fear, and still others dealing with lingering bitterness. While we were preparing for the broadcast, he told me, Ray, I heard something today that really helped me. It also reminds us of His presence. He reminds them that this life will have hardship and that our bodies will fail, but God is still working for our good. Learn the prescription for joy and success. They come when they come, and we have to cope as best we can. You will view them differently because you believe that God intends through them to give you a great benefit that could not come any other way. Psalm 62:1-12, Denomination: There is a fourth truth we need to remember when hard times come. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. In Him, you can have comfort and peace, and encouragement. ISIS Threatens to Kill Families of US Soldiers. We need you. spiritual health, strength, faith, difficult situations, courage, mature christian, obedience, trials, - Series: Lesson's From Revelation's Seven Churches, integrity, holy spirit, victory, encouragement, hope, fear, stress, promises, spiritual health, strength, faith, difficult situations, courage, mature christian, obedience, trials, - Series: Lesson's From Revelation's Seven Churches, integrity, holy spirit, good & evil, How to Avoid Spiritual Distractions Consider Your Ways, part 1, Cling To Jesus Always, Even in Times of Trouble, A Song of Single-Mindedness: How to Have a Blessed Life, How to Live with The Peace of God in Your Heart (continued) Live in Christ, part 6, How to Live with The Peace of God in Your Heart Live in Christ, part 5, How to Live Rooted in The Lord Live in Christ, part 3, How to Live Worthy of The Lord Live in Christ, part 2, Cultivating Your Heart: Finding Abundance Living an Abundant Life, part 1, With You in The Battle: Victory Brings Glory to God 5 Smooth Stones, part 4, How to Live in Christ in a Fallen World - Live in Christ, part 1, Jesus Is at The Heart of Christmas The Heart of Christmas, part 5, Love Is at The Heart of Christmas The Heart of Christmas, part 4, True Joy Is at The Heart of Christmas The Heart of Christmas, part 3, Peace Is at The Heart of Christmas The Heart of Christmas, part 2, Hope Begins with Christmas The Heart of Christmas, part 1, What voice are you focused on? No need to worry because the Lord is with you. Get seven steps to put these into practice. Gods uses our trials to produce perseverance. The Greek word is sometimes translated as endurance or steadfastness or patience. In the book of Revelation, this word describes the faith of those brave saints who would not take the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 14:12). Unfortunately our troubles are never optional. Luke 2:1-7, Denomination: In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let me never be put to shameDeliver me, O my God, out of the Things break. read more, Scripture: But we can choose how we respond. There is Jesus Power in the hard times These are difficult days in which we live. In order to separate the gold from the dross, the ore was placed in a furnace and heated until it melted. Youve got cancer. Or the voice may inform you that your daughter has just been arrested. Matthew 22: 15 22 / Why Is The Sky Blue? You can have hope because anything is possible. But perpetual victimhood dooms you to a life of self-centered misery because you learn nothing from your trials. What was her testimony? God's Love Scripture Verses in the Bible | Cru. He reminds them that He does not sleep or take a break. The following Tuesday he announced that he has been diagnosed with advanced stomach cancer and the prognosis is grim. According to Mark 9, a man brought his son to Jesus for healing from being possessed by a demon. When hard times come, be a student, not a victim. Over 20 years have passed since that day, and I still regard that simple sentence as one of the most profound things I have ever heard. Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted (2 Tim. Failureyes. The two-legged Bird Dog likes Psalm 23: God, Jehova-Rohithe Lord is my shepherd, knows where you are, and he will answer you. Difficultyyes. Here are seven practical ways to trust God in your everyday life: Scripture, or the Bible, is Gods Word. Years later Elisabeth married Addison Leitch, former president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : The Finish Line - Running The Race Of Life, In Times Like These (A Message Of Encouragement), If The Preacher Is Dead, The Sermon Will Be Dead, Chasing The Dream, Preaching Greatness, And Knowing Your Audience. To be sure, there are many gray-haired fools (and there are many wise and godly young people), but Solomon means that if you have walked with the Lord, you will be filled with wisdom in your old age. He is faithful. We all need to live each day fully for Him. Confession helps you to humble yourself and allows you to grow in trust. Helping students know Jesus, grow in their faith and go to the world to tell others.
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