Philippians is a manual on living in joy. Community When things feel difficult, He doesnt ask you to keep those feelings to yourself. When you are feeling down or depressed, look up and call out to Jesus. Paul is saying, I can face my trials because I see how well you are facing yours.. read more, Scripture: Mystery Virus Causes Paralysis. Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. You do not have to share struggles with everyone, but find those people who will encourage you and share the truth with you not just tell you what you want to hear. CT: Gods way is often the Hard Way. You need only to look. For the believer, the rod is like the word of God and the staff is the Holy Spirit. Know that you are not alone even though things may seem dark and overwhelming right now, and you may feel unsure of whats coming next. United Methodist. Allow the word of God to light your path and the Holy Spirit to be a very present help. You can get to know God through personal time with Him and through His Word. Difficultyyes. 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. The Bible records ways God has responded in difficult times in the past. You lose your job. View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. 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. But he contacted cancer not long after their marriage and died slowly and painfully. The top is down, the music is blaring, and the driver is having a blast. Faith in Gods Presencethat he is with us in the darkest moments of life. We are love God with all of our heart, and our neighbor as ourselves. They may in fact be a sign that we are in the will of God. Gentleness or stubbornness. Some things we learn from books, others we learn in the School of Hard Knocks. Then she walked out of my office. SERIES: Inspire! Then I challenged her to become a woman of truth because the truth will set her free. PSALM 62:1-12 INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO HANDLE HARD TIMES As In your waking up. JAMES 1: 2- 11 FAS: What is the type of religion that would bring the most happiness to the individual who practices that religion? How do you trust that God is good in these circumstances? ISIS Threatens to Kill Families of US Soldiers. Instead learn the principles that will make you harder than your hard time. Years ago my friend Jim Warren told me, Ray, when hard times come, be a student, not a victim. Thats good advice. Someone who performs with intense concentration and focus First, it is good to acknowledge that His character is good and trustworthy. Here are seven practical ways to trust God in your everyday life: Scripture, or the Bible, is Gods Word. We should rejoice. Hell lead, protect, and guide you. kindness..I had a time to relax, but I did not get a chance to What can we do to keep our faith strong? Opt out at any time. No matter how hard we try to figure things out, there will always be many mysteries in life. An issue has occurred. Rest assured, God is on your side and you have nothing to fear. God can shape your view of your circumstances. Sign up to join over 20,000 subscribers receiving our weekly sermon email. Hard times are difficult times of life, a time that you hate to experience, not palatable with the flesh. With that important understanding, we pass on to the third great truth regarding hard times. In fact, there are many times when it looks like just the opposite. But thats the whole point. B. Phillips, hoping for some light (if not a way of escape). No! Youve got cancer. Or the voice may inform you that your daughter has just been arrested. But as xtians we have antidotes against hard Job 5:7 reminds us that man is born for trouble as surely as the sparks fly upward.. God is Omniscient, which means that He is all knowing. When that happens, everything we believe will be put on the firing line. He is in all of it. read more, Scripture: Everybody in life is bound to pass thru hard time. My friend has decided to count it all joy in the midst of his cancer. John 21:1-19: You are valuable to God. He cares about you, and you can trust Him with those things. Wait, trust and remember that God loves you. James 1:2-4. John 20:11-18: Are you in a hopeless situation? Four years ago my Father-in-Law, Dr. W. C. Dobbs, pastor and professor, passed away. Need a little pick-me-up? Answers to questions on donations, financial policies, Crus annual report and more. WE have seen some athletes who have figuratively blown up locker But God never intended that you should walk through the lonely valley by yourself. If you struggle with why God allows difficulty, read the article Why Does God Allow Suffering?. It is hardest to trust God during times of conflict, uncertainty, and 2. This weeks message teaches us how to live for Christ in a fallen world. He never leaves. James offers what appears to be a strange piece of advice: Consider it pure joy or Count it all joy (KJV). So many believers struggle because they try to handle their problems alone. The message shares despite all the problems of life or that life is difficult that God remains good. To the very end, they died with their faith intact. Faith in Gods Wordthat it is true no matter what happens to us. The Bible is Gods unfailing, unchanging Word. Life is like that for all of us. For more resources on trusting God, check out: The Bible has no contradictions. Or someone you trusted may start spreading lies about you. Community reminds you that you are never alone, even in hard times. Thats a revolutionary thought to some people. Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (v. 1). Even in tragic circumstances, there will be light and grace. read more, Scripture: 1. Children get hooked on drugs or alcohol or sex. 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. I can think of three obvious answers to that question. Presbyterian/Reformed. Introduction: Hard times are real for everyone regardless of who we are or where we are. Striving to see Christ-followers on every team, in every sport and in every nation. 1 Kings 19:3-18, Psalm 22: Are you burdened by feeling alone? Does anyone doubt it? Not Herod, not the guards, not the people of the church, not even Peter himself. Which do you choose? But Gods grace is in all things. Remember who He has always been. Colossians 1:1-8: What choices are you making this year? God is present and is making Himself known. He uses hard times to put our faith to the test. Jesus Himself felt overwhelmed by what was before Him, and He went straight to His Father. You dont get it in the good times. Christ is the answer for life's difficult questions. No help there. Let us therefore endure our trials with grace and courage, knowing that in the end the clouds will part and the sun will shine again. Learn how to hold onto joy no matter the situation youre in with this weeks encouraging message. 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. Strategies From Genesis WebAnd Adam and Eve would deal with toil and difficulty in their daily work. Colossians 2:6-8: Do you know how to avoid deception stay connected securely to Christ? JUDE 17-21 1. We had a great track team and usually won our track meets by a large margin. INTRODUCTION God intends to put our faith to the test. Little by little we lose the joy we once had. My message will be rather brief this morning (no cheering, please! The word of God and the Holy Spirit brings reassurance and peace to your soul. Are your priorities right? Wait on Him to do what you cannot do yourself. No one is exempt, no one gets a trouble-free ride to heaven. WebThank God for those who touch your life. They can change at any moment, even in an instant. What does it do? I was able to share that no matter how things may look, we can know that God is looking out for His children. 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. (From the Bible Knowledge Commentary). Troublesyes. Advent 2022, week 2: During this series, we are looking at how hope, peace, joy and love are at the heart of Christmas. This week we learn how Gods expression of love is witnessed in the birth of Jesus. 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. Partnering with urban churches to meet physical and spiritual needs. Take a note card from the pew in front of you. Would you like to give your time to work with Cru? Psalm 23:4: Feel Alone? This is not news to you, but Im There is a fourth truth we need to remember when hard times come. In 1:1, the book introduces us to this man Job, describing him as a man who was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.. The leading of the Spirit can ease struggles by guiding you to acts of obedience. In a call from a friend. There is no gold without the fiery furnace. Hard times, times of trials and tribulations, seem to be as constant as the sunrise. Im glad to invest in them because the future belongs to the young. I sure hope attendance at your church was better than my church. Our bodies wear out. For the last few years, he has served as a speaker with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. In this case, the great Apostle himself drew strength from the courage of these new believers. Genesis 35:15-20, Denomination: A student focuses on helping others so that he has no time to feel sorry for himself. What was her testimony? Just straight talk from Jesus brother about what works and what doesnt work in the Christian life. Because his death happened right before Christmas it was the first time that I had ever missed any events of my churchs Christmas season. This message reveals what we can do to remain rooted in Christ and why its so important. This week were learning about how love is at the heart of Christmas. That was on Thursday. He whispers in our ear that God has forgotten us, that he doesnt care, and that he isnt good. There is Jesus Power in the hard times Daniel Speaks to Us Today Series Must you become a better person so that God will accept you? But it is true whether we believe it or not. Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. read more, Scripture: Sometimes we get caught up in our sin. 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). I see no way to deny that statement. My parting words were the words of Jesus, Go and sin no more. She smiled and thanked me and said she needed to go and get some heroin or she wouldnt make it through the day. Look up and call out to Jesus. The Spirit comforts and reminds you of the truth. It is really hard to see past them to other good things going on. It reminds you that He is trustworthy whatever your circumstances. 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. 1. Heartacheyes. Many of us know the story of Elisabeth Elliot. As we go through life, we can look back and see many blanks that we wish God would fill in for us. The word joy means joy. Questions, questions, questions! Genesis 21:8-21, The book of Jude has for us a message about perseverance in the faith, CALL TO PERSEVERE: NATURAL INSTINCTS To help the weak is not too hard 2 Chronicles 20:12 If He seems to be silent, remember His promise that He is always hearing your prayers and responding. The book of Jude is one of those that we skip over most of the time. No one, not a single person in this story expects Peter to be released. The most peaceful actions can be the ones that Trusting in Him means believing what He says about Himself, about the world and about you is true. Matthew 25:31-46. 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. Thus the first step in seeking the Lord during your hard times is to examine your heart and confess your sins, relying on His grace through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Allow your other senses to heighten. You probably wont feel joyful or grateful or full of trust. WebPsalm 4:1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. And sin has deeply infected the human bloodstream. 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. Life is not predictable. 1 Trusting God When Youre Alone in the Gap (4.18.10) 2 Trusting God When the Brook Dries Up (5.9.10) 3 Trusting God Luke 2:1-7, Denomination: First, he tempts us to doubt Gods goodness. Her story demonstrates that simply having Bible knowledge cannot save you from the consequences of wrong decisions. She wants to be free but the pain of coming off heroin is so great that she cannot face it. read more, Scripture: Trials will come but they are never to hurt you; rather they are to build you up. If youre having a hard time keeping your head above water, tell someone else. During our interview with him, he sounded very strong and confident in all his answers. A student understands that God allows hard times in order to help him grow. These days I spend a lot of my time teaching young people. Her addiction led her to terrible extremes in order to finance her drug habit. Because most of the time you dont have a choice about the bad things that happen to you. James begins by reminding us that sooner or later (probably sooner) we will all face trials of various sorts. Genesis 18:1-14 We are a Date: 2/26/17 Fellow believers can remind you of Gods character through encouragement and accountability. When you do that, a powerful conclusion emerges: These great trials give me great hope that God means a great benefit to me. Heres why, along with some analysis digging into nine commonly presented contradictions. read more, Scripture: Confession helps you to humble yourself and allows you to grow in trust. Have great dreams and dare to live them. We all need to live each day fully for Him. Faithfully continue to seek the Lord, but wait on His timing. If you know that God is in control, you can be satisfied at a very deep level even while you weep over what is happening around you and to you. Romans 16:12.Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Establishing a consistent time with the Lord when things feel good will help you to continue to go to Him when things feel rough. The dross rose to the surface and was skimmed off, leaving only pure gold. If we need any of the nine-fold fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), it will be produced in us. This text clearly states that only Gods people will reap this Allow God to remind you who He is and what He promises, and then be honest with Him. A Remember the shepherd and the shepherds tools. 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. WebWe need to continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel (Colossians 1:23). One version says, Be very glad and another says, Consider yourselves fortunate. That didnt help at all, so I turned to the translation of J. Acts 9:32-43, Denomination: 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. Sign up to join over 20,000 subscribers receiving our weekly sermon email. A few days ago we interviewed Nabeel Qureshi on American Family Radio about his new book No God But One: Allah or Jesus?. In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. This message is a reminder that God is always working in your life. Most often they come through and with and alongside our trials. From canceling worship services and holding our Sunday gatherings online, to not Incidentsyes. Psalm 1: Want a blessed life of meaning and fulfillment? They would feel scared about being left alone. Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. I believe that hard times are coming to Christians who live in the West. And hard times can come as a result of our own sin, natural catastrophe, economic But as xtians we have antidotes against har, Surviving Hard times Forgiveness or anger. WebLikewise, in order for us to be strong in difficult times, we must stand firm in Gods power and through his word. read more, Scripture: The tools of the shepherd are the rod and staff. You seek to live a godly life, but you suffer one health problem after another, while you know many who abuse their bodies with a life of dissipation and are never sick for a day. Copyright 2003-2023 | Outreach, Inc., All rights reserved. Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. Lewis, a renowned Christian author Let no one condemn her, but instead let us consider our own lives and realize how vulnerable we are to Satans attacks. This message teaches us what joy is, how can we find it, and what can get in the way. The situation can look so dark that not even a sliver of light can be seen to light your way. to our ministers who preached and taught in my absence. The Bird Dog- Four legged bird dogs point to where the hunter should shoot. What kind of faith does he have in mind? Good News for Dealing with Difficult People. Acts 9:32-43. I conclude, then, that counting it all joy is a conscious choice we make when hard times come. Faith allows us to find our way through struggle the Think of one of the hardest times in your life; what question would you like answered? Because God loves you, you can show your trust in Him by talking about all your feelings and circumstances with Him the good and hard through prayer. No theory here. (Cited by James Montgomery Boice in his Romans series.). Paul knew that was a possibility, which is why he was so worried about these young Thessalonian believers. Listen to the sounds around you. Remember Gods Love Dont be deceived, my beloved brothers (v. 16). God is present amid the bad times as well as the good. Learn how and where to find Gods presence in the midst of difficult, lonely circumstances. Many years ago I learned an important truth from my friend Jim Warren. "Equipping and encouraging people to keep believing in Jesus", Copyright 2020 Keep Believing Ministries. Matthew 22: 15 22 / Why Is The Sky Blue? Get the latest service information, weekly sermon, and other updates. How does a Christian respond when hard times come? 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. How do you trust Him when you do not understand what is happening? Hard times can confuse us and make us ask the wrong questions or expect wrong It is one thing to know the truth. To us, joy means the absence of all pain. I am talking today of working hard for the Lord! 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. Dark times eventually pass, and when they do, you can be grateful for the valuable lessons you've learned. Maybe its not always about trying to fix whats broken. Then you find out, for better or for worse. Today well learn about the remarkable offer of peace: Who is it for? But we can choose how we respond. The words joy or rejoice are to be found in all four chapters of the book. Some people go through life as professional victims, always talking about how they have been mistreated. - Resurrecting Hope, part 2, Easter Brings Resurrection Hope - Resurrecting Hope, part 1, Consider Your Ways to Experience the Presence of God Life Is a Journey, part 43, God Is Your Shepherd, Comforter, Defender Life Is a Journey, part 36, God Is Your Shepherd, Leader, Protector Life Is a Journey, part 35, Be Ready Like Elisha & Find Your Calling Life Is a Journey, part 34. Thats the true Christian position. God is much more concerned with how you respond than with the trial itself. He always sees them and is always working for their good. He worried that under pressure these new Christians would crumble and give up on God. Titus 3:3-8, GOD hates LAZINESS. Sin has stained every part of the physical universe. Philippians 4:1-8, Dealing With Difficult People "Equipping and encouraging people to keep believing in Jesus", Copyright 2020 Keep Believing Ministries. Christian/Church Of Christ. Perhaps were sick and feel as if well never get better again. Advent 2022, week 4: During this series, we are looking at how hope, peace, joy and love are at the heart of Christmas. Although he had come to minister to them, by standing firm in hard times they were ministering to him. Darkness must flee. He knows the way that I take. James tells us that God does good things for the Christian during the bad times of life. 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. The Holy Spirit will lead you to what you should do. 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). You are never alone no matter how you may feel. Gods unchanging character can give us a firm foundation when things feel unsteady and uncertain. Or perhaps weve just gone through a divorce and we feel rejected and alone. Or the boss decides that we arent the right fit, whatever that means. # GOD Someone who takes his/her work seriously and who does it well and rapidly Genesis 18:1-14. But when times feel difficult, it is even more important to trust God. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow and therefore is worthy of your trust. You show up to practice every day, giving it your all, but you lose every game. 3. Because we live in a fallen world, nothing works the way its supposed to. No matter how things might appear immpossible to ue, there is nothing too hard for the Lord. Thats what James is talking about. In Him, you can have comfort and peace, and encouragement. Explore resources to help you live out your life and relationships in a way that honors God. Introduction: God is never neglecting your life. But thats how life is sometimes. Our friends turn into enemies. I received a note from someone who found her way back to God after a long time in the wilderness: I felt I should tell you a little bit of a story in hopes it might help someone else. If my experience can help someone else, feel free to use this information. THE POWER OF JESUS DRAWS ALL MEN UNTO HIMSELF, HE USES OUR HARD TIMES TO DRAW MEN UNTO HIMSELF. Introduction He will sustain you and grow your faith in the waiting. He also gives you other believers to walk with. James 1:1-4: Did you know that trials have a purpose? Develop your leadership skills and learn how to launch a ministry wherever you are. That said, if Im looking for wisdom, I wont start with them. Sermon: Persevere in Obedience - Jeremiah 37, 38; Scriptures: Jeremiah 20:1-13. Or you may be fired without warning. Assembly Of God, Sunday Night: The Hard Way You need a strong foundation of Scripture to stand on, especially when you feel uncertain. Paul was a follower of Jesus and a leader in the early church. After Davids initial prayer (25:1-7), he pauses to review who the Lord is. A doctor may say, Im sorry. It reminds us again that we grow stronger as we lean on each other. Free Sermons and Sermon Outlines for Preaching : Instructions On How To Handle Difficult Times, If The Preacher Is Dead, The Sermon Will Be Dead, Chasing The Dream, Preaching Greatness, And Knowing Your Audience. We all have a story. So rejoice and be glad and take comfort; you have no reason to fear. He is with you in difficulty. Faith or fear. How many times have we heard the first part of the text quoted? Why? Haggai 1:1-15: Distracted? When we read this epistle, we get a glimpse of Christianity in its earliest form. Located minutes from downtown Pleasanton, in the San Francisco Bay Area, East Bay. Hard times eventually wear us down. 2,000 flights canceled: Airlines still recovering from Chicago fire. All of us face those questions because we all go through deep trials eventually. SURVIVING DIFFICULT TIMES * The cockroach immediately punched him between the eyes and scampered off. WebSermons: TRUSTING GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES. 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). To rain the manna and quails is not too hard. SLIDE #1 C.S. Thank goodness! WebEncouragement in Difficult Times. Sometimes we will see it; often we will simply have to take it by faith. This is one of his favorite tools when the hard times involve problems with friends and family members. That is why we are beginning a study of the book of James. Dont let your emotions rule your life; bring them to God so He can help you address them. Advent 2022, week 3: Do you feel robbed of joy? A victim would rather complain than find a solution. I wish it were not so, but it is true. People kill each other. She was raised as a Christian and at one time had a strong faith in Jesus Christ. (He told his conversion story in the bestseller Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus.) When life gets too difficult to bear, your inner strength can help you fight your toughest battles. Losing the Race Against Ebola. Were I to take away the pain, I might move too soon and block Gods work in your life. A student asks, How much of this did I bring on myself?, A victim looks at everyone else and cries out, Life isnt fair. A student looks at life and says, What happened to me could have happened to anyone.. When I was a high school kid, one of the sports I competed in was Track and Field. To say that is to say nothing more than the words of Romans 8:28. 1 Kings 19:19-21: What is God calling you to do? Someone you know gets sick. Here are a few recent headlines: Woman beheaded in Oklahoma. As he said, I would have preferred to find out whats behind Door # 2. We all feel that way when trouble come our way. When the global church comes together then powerful things can happen. Even some mature Christians react this way, as evidenced by Pauls words of reassurance to Timothy many years later. read more, Scripture: James 1:2-11, Nothing is too Hard for YHWH, at the right time he answers our prayers, Promise Genesis 18:14 - is there anything too hard for the Lord?
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