Discouragement comes most often when you do right things but experience poor results. Hebrews 11:1-16, Denomination: First, it is good to acknowledge that His character is good and trustworthy. So in these difficult days, God tells us here in Philippians, stand firm. Stand firm in the Lord, my beloved. He starts off this passage with the word Therefore. Church Of God. A situation may look dark and the shadows of all the problems you are walking through might appear impossible to you at the moment. Be strong and courageous? He is making a way for you. We live in a madcap world that work the whole night and sleep the whole day with no time for self or family. JAMES 1: 2- 11 Be encouraged because God is a God of mercy and comfort. The word testing refers to the process by which gold ore was purified. This isnt like Paul in Romans with his intricate theological arguments. Jim and his four co-workers were speared to death by the Indians. Sometimes Daivd shows us how to deal with difficult people as we see how he deals with Saul. These are difficult days in many parts of the world. He always sees them and is always working for their good. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. At the moment my friend is currently in treatment for his cancer. So, what do you do then? Sometimes we will see it; often we will simply have to take it by faith. Various Scriptures If you have not established that, it is never too late to start. One of the great assets we had was in the 100 yard dash, we had the kid that was the fastest kid in the whole league. These were tough consequences, for sure. read more, Scripture: She and her husband Jim joined a group of missionaries reaching out to the Auca Indians of Ecuador. Acts 12:1-19. You are not alone. Faith in Gods Presencethat he is with us in the darkest moments of life. Hope and Encouragement. WebIn stormy seasons like this, it can be hard to maintain hope. They want to know if what we say we believe is really enough for us in the hard times. Many of you know from experience the unrelenting pressure from circumstances that keeps you awake at night and saps your strength during the day. WebEncouragement in Difficult Times. They come when they come, and we have to cope as best we can. That said, if Im looking for wisdom, I wont start with them. Establishing a consistent time with the Lord when things feel good will help you to continue to go to Him when things feel rough. Are you ready for a close, personal relationship with the shepherd? 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). 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. 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. read more, Scripture: But as xtians we have antidotes against har. Join her on Mondays at 8:30 AM and 8:30 PM EST. The words joy or rejoice are to be found in all four chapters of the book. We need to gain all that God has for us. Wait on Him to do what you cannot do yourself. They can pray for and support you. No matter who we are or where we live, trouble is just a phone call away. Genesis 16:1-10 1 Samuel 17:40-54: Need to experience victory? What do you do when your world caves in? It reminds us again that we grow stronger as we lean on each other. Nothing can separate you from Gods forgiving, healing love. Thanks for your interest! So I decided to check out some other translations. When we read this epistle, we get a glimpse of Christianity in its earliest form. It may seem so at the time, but its not really true. Heres a practical hint. 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. When things in life get in the way and draw you away spiritually from the will of God, he will do whatever it takes to bring you close to him. What can we do to keep our faith strong? If I truly believe that, then I can move to the second statement and begin to look for ways to grow spiritually. We prayed, and I know it was a divine appointment. Exodus 16:13-14 Keeping your eyes on Jesus is the best way to be encouraged. John 9:1-39: Are you limiting God, or living with your spiritual eyes wide open? From canceling worship services and holding our Sunday gatherings online, to not CORONAVIRUS. Little by little we lose the joy we once had. This is the sort of faith that Paul has in mind in Romans 5. Learn how to find comfort and strength even if things seem overwhelming or you feel unsure of whats coming next. I am talking today of working hard for the Lord! Because ethnicity is part of the good of creation, we seek to honor and celebrate the ethnic identity of those with whom we serve as well as those we seek to reach. You dont get it in the good times. Reflecting Jesus together for the good of the city. If you dont need this sermon today, put it in your back pocket because you will definitely need it tomorrow! If we need faith, we will have it. Opt out at any time. It was not to be. Her addiction led her to terrible extremes in order to finance her drug habit. (From the Bible Knowledge Commentary). Matthew 22: 15 22 / Why Is The Sky Blue? 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). But it is sometimes hard to believe it when life takes unexpected turns. A little here and a little there and eventually she began to experiment with drugs. A staff can bring comfort, assurance, confidence and support. James begins with an exhortation about how to respond when hard times come. 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. The word face has the idea of falling or stumbling over a problem. Trust grows as you look for Gods presence in what feels dark and heavy. No need to worry because the Lord is with you. Romans 16:12. In the moments when everything appears to be falling apart, it can be hard to see how the Good Father is at work, but know His mercy is consistent. 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. When your trials are over, you will come forth as gold. But God never intended that you should walk through the lonely valley by yourself. God wants you to go to Him with your circumstances. Get more articles, podcasts and videos to help you keep growing in your Christian faith. He hears your requests and answers them. Because most of the time you dont have a choice about the bad things that happen to you. Why? 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. Now that you know what it means to trust God, how exactly can you do that in your everyday life? Dont let your emotions rule your life; bring them to God so He can help you address them. God cares about them both. This message reminds us that were never alone offers advice for what to focus on and how to confront Satan. Life is like that for all of us. Presbyterian/Reformed. For the last few years, he has served as a speaker with Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. Try our selection of worship songs and sing along! What about joy? But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 2 Cor. God is much more concerned with how you respond than with the trial itself. When trials come (and they come to all of us eventually), there is something we cant know and something we can know. Spend regular time with God. Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others. read more, Scripture: Just straight talk from Jesus brother about what works and what doesnt work in the Christian life. Children get hooked on drugs or alcohol or sex. Text: Romans 8 : 28 When you do that, a powerful conclusion emerges: These great trials give me great hope that God means a great benefit to me. In todays message, learn where abundance comes from and how to cultivate it in your heart. When no one seems to care about you, self-love can make you stronger. Thats what Paul feared for the Thessalonians. A student understands that God allows hard times in order to help him grow. You need to find Him and His words, and by faith rest in Him. Introduction: Hard times are real for everyone regardless of who we are or where we are. Sin has stained every part of the physical universe. read more, Scripture: I can think of three obvious answers to that question. 14. Use your hobbies and interests to find the best place for you to serve. Learn the prescription for joy and success. 4:15-16). This message will help you learn how to have peace and get practical instructions of who you are and how to live, plus 4 steps to peace and blessing. Consider the following read more, Scripture: This passage shows us three things we need to remember if we are going to pass the test with flying colors. It is one thing to know the truth. It is unchanging and completely trustworthy. I love the enthusiasm of the younger generation for the Word of God. Genesis 16:1-10. So He asked for help. In many parts of the world it is dangerous even to be a Psalm 62:1-12, Denomination: According to Mark 9, a man brought his son to Jesus for healing from being possessed by a demon. So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. Perseverance says, I will not give up no matter what happens or how bad life may be. The Passage: Job Did Not Sin with His Lips (2:9-10) As we enter this book 30 verses in, it's critical that we review what's happened up to this point. read more, Scripture: Then, all of a sudden, life throws a curveball. So many believers struggle because they try to handle their problems alone. A rod is a sign of power and strength to defend against attacks. Let hope lift your spirits. Meet with other believers and set your eyes on things that are bigger than your circumstances. Joy or bitterness. Mercy or revenge. Whatever youre facing, victory is just ahead. Verses 7-8 reveal another way in which our trials are productive: Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. Faith in Gods Promisethat he will never leave us or forsake us. In fact, this is the opposite of chance or circumstance. Psalm 1:1-6: Are you going the wrong way? 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. Pentecostal, Hard times are difficult times of life, a time that you hate to experience, not palatable with the flesh. These are valid questions, and God wants to help you navigate them. You work hard, but you don't make progress. I am glad to share it because it is truly encouraging. Bringing hope and resources to military families worldwide. Wesleyan, Dealing With Difficult People Note to reader: I have hot-links to various subjects in this sermon. Read about individuals who have been transformed by faith. Things break. God's Love Scripture Verses in the Bible | Cru. SURVIVING DIFFICULT TIMES Need a little pick-me-up? B. Surviving Hard times Gen 35: 15 -20 Hard times are difficult 2. He is bigger than any of your circumstances. For the believer, the rod is like the word of God and the staff is the Holy Spirit. Knowing that God is for you will strengthen your trust in Him during times of hardship and the unknown. It seems that this is the deep theological response to all calamity. In a sunny day. * When he answered the door, a six-foot tall cockroach was standing there. Psalm 23:4: Feel Alone? Learn to develop your skills, desire and ability to join others on their spiritual journeys and take them closer to Jesus. ISIS Threatens to Kill Families of US Soldiers. But if you shift your focus to God, then you can find joy even in the worst moments of life. Intro: People, by nature, are inquisitive. We grow old and die. At one point I told her that if she didnt make the decision to come clean, it wouldnt be long before I spoke at her funeral. The rod is used to protect and drive the enemy away. Find rest in Jehovah-Rohi: There's power in the name! You can talk about heaven all you want, but youll discover whether or not you believe in it when you stand by the casket of someone you love. C.S. There is a process involved in our trials that leads to a product. Count it all joy? Trust in God with Sermons in Difficult Times. The document with the active links can be found in PDF form at this web address: http://www.firstpresanchorage.org/Sermons.htm (The sermon is titled the same: "King Herods Early Release Program") The links are not active in this SLIDE #1 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. No! Most often they come through and with and alongside our trials. Here is how we live with joy in the hard things. To trust is to believe in the reliability, truth, ability or strength of something. It is not pretending that everything is OK when it isnt. The Psalmist David gives us some good instructions on how to handle hard times when they come. Hard times, times of trials and tribulations, seem to be as constant as the sunrise. The dross rose to the surface and was skimmed off, leaving only pure gold. How many times have we heard the first part of this text quoted? She wants to be free but the pain of coming off heroin is so great that she cannot face it. Help others in their faith journey through discipleship and mentoring. Nothing is too hard: When times are good, it can feel easier. Galatians 6:4-10, Denomination: No matter how hard we try to figure things out, there will always be many mysteries in life. He cares about you, and you can trust Him with those things. Our perspective makes all the difference. What happened to her can happen to any of us if we respond wrongly to hard times. Heres why, along with some analysis digging into nine commonly presented contradictions. Methodist. 2) This is necessary for my spiritual growth. But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. You know quite well that we were destined for them (v. 3b). You can read the morning paper and In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. 1. Many Christian writers and counselors will give you a specific course of action to use on each type of difficult person. 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. Our friends turn into enemies. Today well learn about the remarkable offer of peace: Who is it for? They may in fact be a sign that we are in the will of God. He reminds them that He does not sleep or take a break. Still, God answers the prayer. This and other sermons brought to you by Faith Chapel, an Assemblies of God church in Pleasanton, CA. Community 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. Good News for Dealing with Difficult People. A friend or family member betrays you. God is not distant. We all have a story. God is trustworthy even when you dont see your prayers answered or problems solved right away. Are your priorities right? I see no way to deny that statement. Faithfully continue to seek the Lord, but wait on His timing. Matthew 5:1-12: Did you know there are divine blessings available to you? A student understands that God allows hard times in order to help him grow. God, on the other hand, does not change. Raised in a Muslim family, Nabeel became a Christian after reading the New Testament and encountering the claims of Christ. Spend time exploring aspects of His trustworthiness in verses of Scripture. Let me return for a moment to Nabeel Qureshi. Date: 2/26/17 I will share common types of difficult behavior in a few minutes, but I want to lay a proper foundation first.
