It's anything that people serve, love, desire, trust, fear, and worship that isn't God. Psalm 62:1-12, Denomination: A victim believes his hard times have come because God is trying to punish him. Jude 1:17-21, Denomination: 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. Psalm 23: Youre important to God. TOPIC: STANDING STRONG IN DIFFICULT TIMES (Ephesians Her story demonstrates that simply having Bible knowledge cannot save you from the consequences of wrong decisions. Be Thankful in All Things Learn the prescription for joy and success. THE POWER OF JESUS DRAWS ALL MEN UNTO HIMSELF, HE USES OUR HARD TIMES TO DRAW MEN UNTO HIMSELF. Jesus reduced the ten commandments down to just two. View our top Cru resources in more than 20 languages. read more, Scripture: The message shares despite all the problems of life or that life is difficult that God remains good. No! The Holy Spirit lives in anyone who trusts in Jesus. Some people may regard this as a negative, but to me it is a positive. Are you ready for a close, personal relationship with the shepherd? Some people go through life as professional victims, always talking about how they have been mistreated. read more, Scripture: "Equipping and encouraging people to keep believing in Jesus", Copyright 2020 Keep Believing Ministries. Evaluate where youve placed your faith and get practical instruction for building a faith that can outlast any storm. Do you love him? COVID-19 has caused a great deal of concern, anxiety, fear, and worry throughout our world. If you dont need this sermon today, put it in your back pocket because you will definitely need it tomorrow! Daniel 2:1-23, Denomination: But thank God, we are not like those who have no hope! Trials will come but they are never to hurt you; rather they are to build you up. He is in all of it. Difficult situations are not new. This is how he handles verse 2: When all kinds of trials and temptations crowd into your lives, my brothers, dont resent them as intruders, but welcome them as friends! Even as I type these words, there is a rueful smile on my face. 1-3a). But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of It also reminds us of His presence. It reminds us again that we grow stronger as we lean on each other. Note two key words in the last phrase. * The You can have hope because anything is possible. Philippians 1:12-18, Denomination: During our interview with him, he sounded very strong and confident in all his answers. Inspiring Messages For The Christian The dross rose to the surface and was skimmed off, leaving only pure gold. God's Love Scripture Verses in the Bible | Cru. First, he tempts us to doubt Gods goodness. God is never neglecting your life. Mystery Virus Causes Paralysis. In a sunny day. Take the next step in your faith journey with resources on prayer, devotionals and other tools for personal and spiritual growth. A student has no time to complain because he is busy making the best of his situation. Galatians 6:4-10, Denomination: Community reminds you that you are never alone, even in hard times. Psalm 71 for When You Feel Like Everyone Is Against You. It is by faith. 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. Serve those around you. You are quite likely to be filled with a whole bag of negative emotions. read more, Scripture: Were I to take away the pain, I might move too soon and block Gods work in your life. That He loves you and has good in store for you. For the believer, the rod is like the word of God and the staff is the Holy Spirit. When the phone rings with bad news, when your son winds up in prison, when your best friend betrays you, when you lose your job, when your parents suddenly die, when life comes apart at the seams, then you discover what you truly and actually believe in the depth of your soul. The Lord is walking with you every step of the way. The Coffin and the Christmas Tree Faith in Gods Purposethat he is conforming us to the image of Jesus Christ. Nothing is Too Difficult for God And sin has deeply infected the human bloodstream. 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. read more, Scripture: Perhaps weve lost a job and feel that were not qualified to do anything. What happened? 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? Although he had come to minister to them, by standing firm in hard times they were ministering to him. Stop in your tracks and allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. Years later Elisabeth married Addison Leitch, former president of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. The Bird Dog- Four legged bird dogs point to where the hunter should shoot. SLIDE #1 Someone who takes his/her work seriously and who does it well and rapidly Thank you! And get 5 action steps for enduring trials, tests, and persecution. Life is unpredictable and difficult at times, and that difficulty may persist for longer than you had hoped. Think of one of the hardest times in your life; what question would you like answered? It seems to be the deep theological response to all calamity. Advent 2022, week 2: During this series, we are looking at how hope, peace, joy and love are at the heart of Christmas. How do you get that wisdom? 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. So dont judge your circumstances by your feelings. 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). 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. CORONAVIRUS. 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. Psalm 1: Want a blessed life of meaning and fulfillment? He believes that his gods are trying to tell him something about his powerful Do you need to devote yourself to unselfish religious deeds? But as xtians we have antidotes against har. According to Mark 9, a man brought his son to Jesus for healing from being possessed by a demon. I am glad to share it because it is truly encouraging. Psalm 25 Learn how to find comfort and strength even if things seem overwhelming or you feel unsure of whats coming next. Kindness or malice. Psalm 23:4: Feel Alone? 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. We prayed, and I know it was a divine appointment. Find rest in Jehovah-Rohi: There's power in the name! Heres what we need to know about the book. In a fallen world, there can be no other way. Introduction Acts 20:22-31. Dark times eventually pass, and when they do, you can be grateful for the valuable lessons you've learned. He asked Jesus to heal him if you can. Jesus asked the man if he did not believe that Jesus could heal, and this was his reply. Things break. 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. One of the major themes in the book of Philippians is joy. When we obey line upon line and precept upon precept, we will Advent 2022, week 3: Do you feel robbed of joy? kindness..I had a time to relax, but I did not get a chance to Be encouraged because God is a God of mercy and comfort. There is Jesus Power in the hard times read more, Scripture: The Christian way is not an easy way and any representations to the contrary are false. 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. 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. Thats what James is talking about. So rejoice and be glad and take comfort; you have no reason to fear. ), because given the fact that we will be eating shortly, then have our meeting, I dont want to keep us any later than necessary. He is always working in your life and in the world. But as xtians we have antidotes against hard When I was a high school kid, one of the sports I competed in was Track and Field. But it is sometimes hard to believe it when life takes unexpected turns. He cares for your hurts. read more, Scripture: As In todays message, learn where abundance comes from and how to cultivate it in your heart. It is the in-between times when faith grows, and God brings life to the dead. I would submit to you that the answer is no! INTRODUCTION If we want a natural response, we can talk about anger or despair or complaining or getting even or running away. You can also tell Him when its difficult for you to believe. 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. Paul reminded his friend that partnership is important and helps us have a greater understanding of God and His plan. When I told my brothera medical doctorof my diagnosis, he was almost giddy with excitement, proclaiming, Great, God has given you a wonderful new platform to tell others about him! And he has been right, it is a great platform. read more, Scripture: Little by little we lose the joy we once had. 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). There are ups and downs along the way. He hears your requests and answers them. Instead learn the principles that will make you harder than your hard time. Second, your particular trial doesnt matter as much as how you respond to it. read more, Scripture: The rod is used to protect and drive the enemy away. Satan tempts us to fall away during our trials. A common struggle in difficult times is feelings of helplessness and worry about an unknown future. A time it appears you don't know what you are doing. Let the light of the Gospel shine in your heart. But during a period of loneliness, she fell in with a bad crowd and began to dabble in sin. B. Phillips, hoping for some light (if not a way of escape). Ecclesiastes 1:9, Denomination: 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. And those who are following ever so close to him. You can get to know God through personal time with Him and through His Word. Many years ago I learned an important truth from my friend Jim Warren. Or you may be fired without warning. How many times have we heard the first part of the text quoted? A time it appears you don't know what you are doing. We need you. Fellow believers can remind you of Gods character through encouragement and accountability. Psalm 1:1-6: Are you going the wrong way? Questions, questions, questions! A student understands that God allows hard times in order to help him grow. God does not explain himself to us. In many ways the little letter of James is the most practical book in the New Testament. Christian/Church Of Christ. Will you say yes today? God is much more reliable than even your most trustworthy friend. I. 2. You need only to look. God, on the other hand, does not change. We never suffer alone. Gods mercy is limitless. Proverbs 6:6-11, Proverbs 10:4-5, Proverbs 13:4, Denomination: A) I read about a man that was sitting at home one evening when the doorbell rang! The most peaceful actions can be the ones that 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. Internship opportunities with Cru's ministries. I see no way to deny that statement. Have some fun taking various quizzes and assessments to learn about yourself and others. What was her testimony? Sermons about Hard Times - SermonCentral.com Encouragement in Difficult Times | Joyce Meyer - YouTube * The cockroach immediately punched him between the eyes and scampered off. Hope or despair. read more, Scripture: 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. Romans 16:12.Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Our trials often come with very little warning. Learn the basics of what Christians believe. God wants you to go to Him with your circumstances. On our journey from earth to glory, we will face many difficult situations. Who is the Holy Spirit and What Does He Do. What kind of faith does he have in mind? In this message, we learn that while trials and temptations are not sin, they can lead to sin if we dont stand firm in faith. How does the devil tempt us in hard times? However, when we begin to love others as we love ourselves