Wait, trust and remember that God loves you. He is with you in difficulty. The great danger is that we will try to short-circuit the process by running away from our problems. Faith allows us to find our way through struggle the Becky Dvorak is the host of the dynamic teaching program, Empowered for Healing and Miracles, featured globally on the Its Supernatural! Giving thanks fights the lie that everything is horrible. He will help you wait with endurance. Thank God in the Midst of Trials and Even Persecution We draw back from difficulties, yet not one of us is exempt from some kind of trouble. Luke 8:4-15: Are you settling for less than Gods abundant plan for you? Paul reminded his friend that partnership is important and helps us have a greater understanding of God and His plan. Love or hatred. read more, Scripture: 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. In a call from a friend. Life is Difficult, But God is Good Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16 I was afraid that in some way the tempter might have tempted you and our efforts might have been useless (v. 5). 1. This message is for you! In your waking up. With that important understanding, we pass on to the third great truth regarding hard times. read more, Scripture: Keeping your eyes on Jesus is the best way to be encouraged. Jesus loves you back to wholeness. As I survey the New Testament teaching regarding trials, two truths stand out. You may have heard of people coming through the school of hard Knocks, but as I look through the word of God, I find some NOTs that are hard for some people to swallow. This message tells us how to avoid distractions. Proverbs 6:6-11, Proverbs 10:4-5, Proverbs 13:4, Denomination: I will visit on the right time, Then you will have a blessing which cannot be destroyed This message teaches us what joy is, how can we find it, and what can get in the way. The Holy Spirit is your constant helper, pointing you to Jesus. We live in a madcap world that work the whole night and sleep the whole day with no time for self Matthew 25:31-46. * The cockroach immediately punched him between the eyes and scampered off. If we need hope, we will have it. So, when it comes to trusting God, that means believing in His reliability, His Word, His ability and His strength. No! When a friend wrote to say that his daughter was leaving to serve in the Armed Forces in Afghanistan, he asked special prayer because she would be in harms way. I prayed for his daughter and am happy to report that she made it back safely. Are you nuts? Colossians 1:9-14: Are you living worthy of the Lord? That is why we are beginning a study of the book of James. read more, Scripture: To trust is to believe in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of something. I am so thankful that I am a child of the Father, redeemed by the Son, and sealed in the Spirit. WebLife can be scary, especially during hard times.Maybe you've lost your job, are battling a chronic illness or your marriage is falling apart. We all have a story. There is one other kind of faith that will help us in hard times. Have you ever had a person in your life that was difficult to impossible to deal with? CT: Gods way is often the Hard Way. This message explores Psalm 1 and gives us actionable advice to multiply happiness and avoid taking the wrong path that leads to misery. In many ways the little letter of James is the most practical book in the New Testament. Many people reading this message are going through hard times right now. JAMES 1: 2- 11 This message teaches us what to do when we find ourselves in difficult situations. That part is up to us. We should rejoice. When that happens, everything we believe will be put on the firing line. Our hard times are designed to bring us closer to the Lord. But thats the whole point. Titus 3:3-8, GOD hates LAZINESS. I believe that hard times are coming to Christians who live in the West. As I have pondered the matter, and considered my own difficulties with this concept, the thought occurs that counting it all joy when troubles come is not a natural response. Luke 2:1-7, Denomination: Of them it was said, They died singing., It is the quality of Meriam Ibrahim who when pressured by the Muslim prosecutor in Sudan to renounce her Christian faith, knowing that her life was on the line, said, I am a Christian and I will remain a Christian.. This message helps us understand how and why we should live worthy of the Lord; plus, learn how to push back spiritual darkness and what brings endurance and strength. Choose to embrace the hope that is offered to you in Jesus. The Bibles Answer to difficult people. Dealing With Difficult People Genesis 16:1-10 Jesus reduced the ten commandments down to just two. We are love God with all of our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves. It isnt so hard to love a God who is good, and values us so highly. Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. You wont do this perfectly, but God is kind and patient with you while you learn to trust Him. 2) This is necessary for my spiritual growth. The Bible is Gods unfailing, unchanging Word. When trials have finished their work in us, we will not lack anything the Lord wants us to have. Thats a picture of what God is up to in our fiery trials. We all have to undergo some furnace time sooner or later. Our perspective makes all the difference. This message explores important questions about your faith and commitment to God. Are you ready for a close, personal relationship with the shepherd? 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. Winning in Difficult Situations Illus. John 17:20-26: Are you dealing with a dispute, conflict, or falling-out? And further in the distance, others watch what we go through. Faith in Gods Purposethat he is conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:1-16, Denomination: When we read this epistle, we get a glimpse of Christianity in its earliest form. But given the instability of our world, a question comes to mind: Where can you go where you arent in harms way? This is the sort of faith that Paul has in mind in Romans 5. God is not distant. 1 Samuel 17:1-11: Feel defeated, afraid, or unable to move? Get the answers to frequently asked questions on Christian beliefs and practices. Acts 9:32-43. He is bigger than any of your circumstances. Learn how you can know God personally. Proverbs 20:29 puts it this way: The glory of young men is their strength, gray hair the splendor of the old, and Proverbs 16:31 adds this insight, Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living a godly life (NLT). The first statement reflects a high view of Gods sovereignty. When times are good, it can feel easier. A victim believes his hard times have come because God is trying to punish him. Life is unpredictable and difficult at times, and that difficulty may persist for longer than you had hoped. Peace or worry. 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. But God never intended that you should walk through the lonely valley by yourself. Get the latest service information, weekly sermon, and other updates. We have a great God who loves us more than we know. Gods mercy is limitless. Every hard trial is another step on the stairway that leads from earth to heaven. He will bring direction to you. During our interview with him, he sounded very strong and confident in all his answers. It may seem so at the time, but its not really true. In a sunny day. For more resources on trusting God, check out: The Bible has no contradictions. Even in doubt and uncertainty, if you keep going to Him, He will continually show Himself to be trustworthy. Were I to take away the pain, I might move too soon and block Gods work in your life. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. Luke 21:5-36, Denomination: C.S. Web5 Best Sermon Themes for Difficult Times 1. Many years ago I learned an important truth from my friend Jim Warren. (Cited by James Montgomery Boice in his Romans series.). But accidents? read more, Scripture: Now, it is not because we disagree with anything that it says, its just that the book is so short that when you blink as you turn the pages in your Bible you miss it. Are you open to what the Lord wants to do in your life? Then I challenged her to become a woman of truth because the truth will set her free. These are difficult days in many parts of the world. read more, Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:28, Denomination: Another message on the awesome power of God! Someone you know gets sick. 12. You need only to look. There Is Nothing Too Hard For The Lord Faith in Gods Powerthat he can deliver us from every temptation. Many people in Scripture even reference other parts of Scripture to encourage themselves and those around them. Learn how to hold onto joy no matter the situation youre in with this weeks encouraging message. Thanks for your interest! James 1:2 reminds us to Count it all joy when you encounter various trials. 14. 52-week preaching calendar to help you plan your sermons, Customizable sermon manuscripts for verse-by-verse preaching, Preach with creativity and impact throughout the year, Help your church understand God's plan in pain, Call your people to experience a higher freedom, Proclaim the gospel to the ends of the earth. When he has tried me, I will come forth as gold (Job 23:10). Christian/Church Of Christ. This message reminds us that were never alone offers advice for what to focus on and how to confront Satan. Discouragement comes most often when you do right things but experience poor results. We have an anchor for our lives in the Lord. CORONAVIRUS. The word of God is used to defend. But perpetual victimhood dooms you to a life of self-centered misery because you learn nothing from your trials. Hell lead, protect, and guide you. But it is sometimes hard to believe it when life takes unexpected turns. Will you choose to live Gods best for you, no matter the circumstances? God will help us get through all difficulties as we depend fully on Him. Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. The Coffin and the Christmas Tree Life can be going along smoothly for a season. Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. read more, Scripture: God is Omniscient, which means that He is all knowing. 1 Samuel 17:40-54: Need to experience victory? (John 14:26, NIV). He cares for your hurts. read more, Scripture: His name was Andy. It is really hard to see past them to other good things going on. You cant have both. Strategies From Genesis He does not always give you the big picture, but He will show you the next step. And those who are following ever so close to him. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. Eugene Peterson (The Message) translates part of verse 4 this way: Dont try to get out of anything prematurely! Thats good advice; its not always easy to follow. Look up and call out to Jesus - Psalm 23:4: Even though I walk through the darkest valleyyou are with me.. Thats not possible as long as you focus on the trial itself. When you are feeling down or depressed, look up and call out to Jesus. You can ask Him to help you believe what He says is true. Think of one of the hardest times in your life; what question would you like answered? 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. And hard times can come as a result of our own sin, natural catastrophe, economic How we seek to journey together with everyone towards a relationship with Jesus. I was able to share that no matter how things may look, we can know that God is looking out for His children. Difficult situations are not new to any generation. Thats a revolutionary thought to some people. It seems to be the deep theological response to all calamity. After Davids initial prayer (25:1-7), he pauses to review who the Lord is. Life is not predictable. Perseverance says, I will not give up no matter what happens or how bad life may be. 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. Until then, your faith is speculative because it is untested. This message reveals what we can do to remain rooted in Christ and why its so important. First, it is good to acknowledge that His character is good and trustworthy. If you're looking for the best Christian jobs and careers, check out Cru's ministry job openings for full- and part-time missionaries and professionals. Go to How Do I Hear Gods Voice? to learn more about how to follow the Spirits leading. Seeing things Gods way doesnt cancel your trials and it doesnt turn them into non-trials, but it does transform your evaluation of those trials. So many believers struggle because they try to handle their problems alone. Now, in the difficult times of their life, Paul gives advice for believers in difficult times. Youre able to confess to God when your feelings and beliefs are not lining up with His Truth. Text: Galatians 6.4-10 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. You never know what you believe until hard times come. No matter how things might appear immpossible to ue, there is nothing too hard for the Lord. Yet storms often come to believers to make them able to stand firm, rather than to blow them away (cf. When your trials are over, you will come forth as gold. The Psalmist David gives us some good instructions on how to handle hard times when they come. All of us shall encounter loss, sorrow, disappointment, and disillusionment, (He told his conversion story in the bestseller Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus.) Incidentsyes. There is nothing that our God cannot do. Because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance (v. 3). Heres what we need to know about the book. Or the boss decides that we arent the right fit, whatever that means. The phrase we were destined comes from a verb that means to put or to place. Its a very strong way of saying these hard times were placed here by God. They didnt happen by accident. 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. Thank you! 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. Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Apr 29, 2010. based If we need any of the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), it will be produced in us. You can have hope because anything is possible. No one is exempt, no one gets a trouble-free ride to heaven. The message shares despite all the problems of life or that life is difficult that God remains good. You can agree with Him that all He says is true. That is the shared faith of Gods people. Evangelical/Non-Denominational. Your goals, finances, health and outlook seem bright. read more, Scripture: Years later Elisabeth married Addison Leitch, former president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Some people go through life as professional victims, always talking about how they have been mistreated. This message explores keys to a victorious life and how God is with you in the battle. As he said, I would have preferred to find out whats behind Door # 2. We all feel that way when trouble come our way. Hard work! The staff is used to correct, restrain, and pull to safety. Mercy or revenge. They come when they come, and we have to cope as best we can. Colossians 1:1-8: What choices are you making this year? Matthew 22: 15 22 / Why Is The Sky Blue? I think its the exclamation point at the end that does it for me. We are to neither run wild without direction, like a man running with poor eyesight, nor are we to look back at a past we cannot change, instead we are to live our life forward. From this passage I want to share with you five truths about hard times. This text clearly states that only Gods people will reap this Nothing can separate you from Gods forgiving, healing love. He wants to help you grow your faith. The word joy means joy. read more, Scripture: The top is down, the music is blaring, and the driver is having a blast. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. Marriages break up. In Daniel chapter two, King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream that is very troubling to him. Interesting question. If you dont need this sermon today, put it in your back pocket because you will definitely need it tomorrow! We rejoiced. read more, Scripture: Sermons for Difficult Times, New Beginnings Encourage your members to keep looking forward; to not get so discouraged with the state of the world, but to see that there is still hope for the future. Sermons for difficult times that center around these realities are often effective. They can pray for and support you. WebEncouragement in Difficult Times. You can read the morning paper and 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). Hard times are difficult times of life, a time that you hate to experience, not palatable with the flesh. If we need faith, we will have it. You may not see a way out of the situation you find yourself walking in today; but know this, you are not alone. Then she walked out of my office. The most peaceful actions can be the ones that Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs. A victim begs God to remove the problems of life so that he might be happy. read more, Scripture: So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. We are a WebThank God for those who touch your life. The Bird Dog- Four legged bird dogs point to where the hunter should shoot. The car hit a massive pothole and suddenly the happy journey is over. A victim would rather complain than find a solution. I confess to be being bothered by this so I decided to check it out in the Greek. How comforting it is to know that the God of the universe is also paying attention to you. Remember who He has always been. Hard times, times of trials and tribulations, seem to be as constant as the sunrise. This is cut-to-the-chase, heres-the-bottom-line talk from a man who knew his readers needed encouragement to stand strong in hard times. The Holy Spirit lives in anyone who trusts in Jesus. This message digs deep into the character of each Beatitude. Not a problem in the world, not a care or a concern. Psalm 71 for When You Feel Like Everyone Is Against You. I see no way to deny that statement. Little by little we lose the joy we once had. Sin has stained every part of the physical universe. WebThere are seasons and times of uncertainty in our lives. These simple practices will help you see God outside of difficult things, which will establish trust in your heart that He will move in your circumstances. Dont fight the battle alone. This isnt like Paul in Romans with his intricate theological arguments. Heres a practical hint. read more, Scripture: I will hold on because I promised and because I believe the Lord has something in store for me. That sort of gritty stubbornness produces genuine spiritual maturity. The shepherd is always looking to protect his sheep. We often see the full flowering of this process in the life of an older saint of God. 3:12). 1. Network on ISN. In many parts of the world it is dangerous even to be a Thats what perseverance looks like. Mercy, pastoring aint always easy, now is it? Trusting in Him means believing what He says about Himself, about the world and about you is true. FAS: What is the type of religion that would bring the most happiness to the individual who practices that religion? Lets BE DELIGENT. They would feel scared about being left alone. At the moment my friend is currently in treatment for his cancer. Whenever I tell others about my rough road back to Christ from non-Christian relationships, the one question I am always asked is, What would have helped make my road back a little easier? My answer is, during my time of spiritual loneliness, if I had had a sister in Christ seek me out and tell me, Ive been there, I love you, and I can help you find your way back to Jesus, perhaps I could have been spared a lot more pain than having to discover the answers on my own. Gods unchanging character can give us a firm foundation when things feel unsteady and uncertain. How do you trust that God is good in these circumstances? While we were preparing for the broadcast, he told me, Ray, I heard something today that really helped me. Psalm 23:4: Feel Alone? Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise To all, life Thou givest, to both great and small, In all life Thou livest, the true life of all; We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree, And wither and perishbut naught changeth Thee. (Walter C. Smith, 1867) 2. Meet with other believers and set your eyes on things that are bigger than your circumstances. In fact, there are many times when it looks like just the opposite. Our friends turn into enemies. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Have great dreams and dare to live them. Sometimes we get caught up in our sin. Try our selection of worship songs and sing along! And some of us will spend an extended time in the furnace of affliction. But if you shift your focus to God, then you can find joy even in the worst moments of life. He is faithful. Difficult situations are not new. Many of us know the story of Elisabeth Elliot. ISIS Threatens to Kill Families of US Soldiers. Even some mature Christians react this way, as evidenced by Pauls words of reassurance to Timothy many years later. They may in fact be a sign that we are in the will of God. A student has no time to complain because he is busy making the best of his situation. Joy to many people speaks of a pep rally or a champagne party or a New Years Eve bash. These are valid questions, and God wants to help you navigate them. Although he had come to minister to them, by standing firm in hard times they were ministering to him. As I thought about the matter, I concluded that even if I had the power (which I dont), I wouldnt take the pain away or make the hard times disappear. You are not facing these difficult times alone. Genesis 16:1-10 Or perhaps weve just gone through a divorce and we feel rejected and alone. Everybody in life is bound to pass thru hard time. William Barclay notes that in the early church the martyrs gained the respect of unbelievers because in the moment of death, they had this quality. food defense training for employees powerpoint, northwestern hospital ceo salary, back houses for rent in corona, ca,
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