SURVIVING DARK DAYS

Title: SURVIVING DARK DAYS
Text: Job 14:1; 42:10-17

INTRODUCTION:
Dark days are inevitable in life—moments when hope seems distant, and the challenges appear insurmountable. However, the Bible is filled with examples of individuals who faced their darkest days and came out victorious.

FACTS ABOUT DARK DAY(S)
Everybody has a dark day in his sojourning on earth. No one escapes it.
The only thing we have to do is to pray so that God will build inner strength in us to be able to withstand our dark days with a courageous heart.
Dark days are just the reality of life that many people don't want to accept especially over religious people.

When you are experiencing your dark moments or going through them, there are people who, instead of encouraging you, they'd either criticize you for not being prayerful, not being spiritual, not being sensitive in the spirit, not having faith in God, being careless and the likes. They are probably not in their dark days so, they can say anything but don't mind them.

This is what the Bible says about dark days.
"A person who is born of a woman is short-lived and is FULL OF TROUBLE." Job 14:1.

Ecclesiastical 12:1 says, "Remember your Creator when you are strong before the DAYS OF TROUBLE comes.......". The key word here is "DAYS OF TROUBLE".

Paul calls it "THORN IN MY FLESH". Yes, there are many thorns in our flesh.
David called it "The Valley of the Shadow of Death"

Great patriarchs in the Bible whom we know are called "the fathers of faith" had dark days too. These were men that God spoke to audibly. Men and women, God used mightily. None of them was without moments of BITTER TEARS but they overcame it.

Can I say to someone out there experiencing his DARK DAYS right now that you are not faithless, you are not Spiritually insensitive, you are not careless, you are not prayer-less. But you are only going through what MUST HAPPEN.

We laugh even when we don't feel like it, we dance even when our dark moments seem prevalent, we encourage others when we need encouragement ourselves, and we give up certain pleasures even though they are our right. Why? It's a legacy of ruggedness for those coming behind us

This sermon will explore how we can survive dark days by looking at biblical examples and the principles they followed to overcome.

I.   OTHER NAMES FOR DARK DAYS IN THE SCRIPTURES

1. Job called it "Days of Distress"
   - Reference: Job 15:24 - "Distress and anguish fill him with terror; they overwhelm him, like a king poised to attack."

2. Jeremiah called it "The Day of Disaster"
   - Reference: Jeremiah 17:17-18 - "Do not be a terror to me; you are my refuge in the day of disaster. Let my persecutors be put to shame, but keep me from shame..."

3. Asaph called it "The Day of Trouble"
   - Reference: Psalm 77:2 - "In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to ...

4. David called it "The Pit" or "The Miry Clay"
   *Reference: Psalm 40:1-2 - "I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire..."

5. Jonah called it "The Belly of Sheol"
   - Reference: Jonah 2:2 - "I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice."

6. Isaiah called it "The Furnace of Affliction"
   - Reference: Isaiah 48:10 - "See, I have refined you, though not as silver; I have tested you in the furnace of affliction."

7. The Psalmist called it "The Waters of Sorrow"
   - Reference: Psalm 69:1-2 - "Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold; I have come into deep waters, and the flood sweeps over me."

8. Habakkuk called it "The Day of Trouble"
   - **Reference:** Habakkuk 3:16 - "I heard and my heart pounded, my lips quivered at the sound; decay crept into my bones, and my legs trembled. Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity to come on the nation invading us."

9. The Sons of Korah called it "The Depths"
   - Reference: Psalm 130:1 - "Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy."

10. Jesus referred to it as "This Cup"
    - Reference: Matthew 26:39 - "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."

11. Paul called it "The Perils"
    - Reference: 2 Corinthians 11:26 - "I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers."

12. Moses referred to it as "The Wilderness"
    - Reference: Deuteronomy 8:15 - "He led you through the vast and dreadful wilderness, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions."

II. JOB – SURVIVING LOSS AND SUFFERING
   - Scripture Reference: Job 1:13-22; Job 2:7-10; Job 42:10-17
   - Key Points:
     - Job faced unimaginable loss—his wealth, children, and health—all within a short span. Despite his suffering, Job refused to curse God.
     - Job's response to his dark days was one of worship and unwavering faith (Job 1:20-21).
     - Through steadfast faith and patience, Job endured his trials and was eventually restored by God, receiving double of what he had lost.

   - Application:
Trust God even when it doesn't make sense. Your faith during dark days can be the key to your restoration.

III. JOSEPH – SURVIVING BETRAYAL AND INJUSTICE
   - Scripture Reference: Genesis 37:23-28; Genesis 39:19-23; Genesis 41:39-46
   Key Points:
     - Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. These were his dark days.

     - Despite the betrayal and injustice, Joseph maintained his integrity and trust in God. Even in prison, God was with him and granted him favour (Genesis 39:21-23).
     - Joseph’s dark days prepared him for the elevation to become the Prime Minister of Egypt, where he saved nations from famine.
   - Application:
Your current dark days may be a preparation for a greater purpose. Stay faithful, and God will turn your adversity into advancement.

IV.  DAVID – SURVIVING PERSECUTION AND FEAR
   - Scripture Reference:
1 Samuel 19:9-12; 1 Samuel 24:1-22; Psalm 23
   - Key Points:
     - David faced multiple dark days when King Saul sought to kill him out of jealousy. He had to flee and live as a fugitive in caves and wilderness.
     - Even in fear and danger, David wrote some of the most comforting Psalms (e.g., Psalm 23), expressing his confidence that God was his shepherd and would lead him through the "valley of the shadow of death."

     - David’s integrity and refusal to harm Saul, even when given the opportunity, demonstrated his reliance on God’s timing and justice.
   - **Application:** In dark days of fear and persecution, trust in God's guidance and timing. Do not take matters into your own hands; let God fight for you.

V.  ELIJAH – SURVIVING DESPAIR AND DEPRESSION
   -  Scripture Reference:
1 Kings 19:1-18
   - Key Points:
     - After a great victory over the prophets of Baal, Elijah experienced dark days of fear, discouragement, and depression when Jezebel threatened his life.

     - Elijah fled into the wilderness and prayed for death. Yet, God provided him with rest, nourishment, and a gentle whisper to revive his spirit.

     - God reassured Elijah that he was not alone, providing a renewed sense of purpose and direction.

   -  Application:
In moments of despair, rest in God’s presence, listen for His still small voice, and allow Him to renew your strength.

VI.  PAUL AND SILAS – SURVIVING IMPRISONMENT AND PAIN
   - Scripture Reference:  Acts 16:22-34
   - Key Points:
     - Paul and Silas were unjustly beaten and imprisoned in Philippi. Even in the dark prison cell, they chose to sing hymns and pray.

     - Their worship during dark days led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them and brought salvation to the jailer and his household.

     - Their response shows that worship and praise can break chains and open doors, even in the darkest of circumstances.

   -  Application:
In dark days of confinement and pain, choose to worship and praise. God can turn your midnight into a miracle.

VII. JESUS CHRIST – SURVIVING THE CROSS AND DEATH
   - Scripture Reference:
Matthew 27:45-46; Luke 23:44-46; John 19:30; Matthew 28:1-10
   - Key Points:
     - Jesus experienced the ultimate dark day on the cross when He took upon Himself the sins of the world. Even at His lowest point, He cried out to God and surrendered His spirit.
     - However, this darkest day led to the greatest victory—His resurrection, which brought salvation and eternal life to all who believe.
     - Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates that God can transform the darkest days into the dawn of new beginnings.

   -  Application:
Trust in God’s redemptive power. Your darkest day may be the prelude to your greatest breakthrough.

VIII   MODERN-DAY EXAMPLES
Here are some examples of people from the modern era who survived their dark times and emerged stronger:

1. Nelson Mandela
   - Dark Times: Mandela spent 27 years in prison for his fight against apartheid in South Africa.
   - Survival and Triumph: After his release, he became the first black president of South Africa in 1994 and played a crucial role in dismantling apartheid, promoting reconciliation, and uniting a divided nation.

2. Malala Yousafzai
   - Dark Times:  Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban in 2012 for advocating girls' education in Pakistan.
   - Survival and Triumph: She survived the attack and became a global symbol for girls' education and empowerment. In 2014, she became the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate at the age of 17.

3. Oprah Winfrey
   - Dark Times: Oprah faced a difficult childhood, marked by poverty, abuse, and trauma.

   - Survival and Triumph: She overcame these challenges to become one of the most influential media personalities and philanthropists in the world, using her platform to inspire millions and advocate for social causes.

4. J.K. Rowling
   - Dark Times:  Before the success of the Harry Potter series, Rowling faced severe financial struggles, a difficult divorce, and was a single mother on welfare.
   - Survival and Triumph: Despite numerous rejections, she persisted with her writing. Today, she is one of the most successful authors in history, and her story is an inspiration to many aspiring writers.

5.  Nick Vujicic
   -  Dark Times: Born without arms and legs due to a rare disorder, Vujicic faced significant physical and emotional challenges, including bullying and depression.
   - Survival and Triumph:  He became a motivational speaker, author, and founder of "Life Without Limbs," inspiring millions worldwide to overcome their own obstacles.

6. Elizabeth Smart
   - Dark Times:  At 14, Elizabeth was kidnapped from her home and held captive for nine months, enduring horrific abuse.
   - Survival and Triumph: After her rescue, she became an advocate for missing persons and victims of abuse, founding the Elizabeth Smart Foundation to promote child safety and recovery programs.

7. Viktor Frankl
   - Dark Times: Frankl was a Holocaust survivor who endured unimaginable suffering in Nazi concentration camps.
   - Survival and Triumph: After surviving, he became a renowned psychiatrist and authored "Man's Search for Meaning," where he shared his philosophy of finding purpose in the face of suffering.

8. Bethany Hamilton
   - Dark Times: At age 13, professional surfer Bethany Hamilton lost her arm in a shark attack.
   - Survival and Triumph:  She courageously returned to surfing and became an inspiration through her story of resilience and faith, authoring books and starring in the film "Soul Surfer."

These individuals demonstrate that even in the face of extreme hardship, resilience, hope, and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements and inspire others to overcome their own dark times.

CONCLUSION
Dark days are a part of life, but they are not the end of the story. Like Job, Joseph, David, Elijah, Paul and Silas, and Jesus, we can survive and thrive through them. By maintaining faith, integrity, worship, and a dependence on God, our darkest moments can become testimonies of God's grace, power, and deliverance.

PRAYER POINTS
1. Lord, grant me strength and perseverance to endure through my difficult and dark days, trusting in Your promises and faithfulness.

2. Give me the grace to remain faithful and maintain my integrity, even when facing betrayal, injustice, or false accusations.

3. Guide me, Lord, during times of fear and uncertainty, and help me trust You to lead me through every valley and shadow.

4. Comfort and encourage me when I experience despair, depression, or feelings of hopelessness. Let me hear Your still small voice and be renewed in spirit.

5. Fill my heart with worship and praise, even in the midst of pain, confinement, or challenging circumstances, believing that You can bring about miraculous breakthroughs.

6. Strengthen my faith to see beyond these current dark days and to trust in Your redemptive power, knowing that every trial can lead to a testimony.

7. Grant me divine wisdom and discernment to recognize Your purpose and timing in every situation, turning my adversity into advancement.

8. Give me the courage to let go and allow You to fight my battles, choosing peace over retaliation or taking matters into my own hands.

9. Renew my sense of hope and vision, believing that You can transform the darkest days into the dawn of new beginnings.

10. Lord, fill my heart with Your presence and peace, especially in moments of confusion, loss, or deep pain, knowing that You are always with me.

Final Prayer :
Ask God for the grace and strength to endure and overcome any dark days you may be facing. Pray for the faith to trust Him through the process and the vision to see His purpose fulfilled in your life.

PROPHETIC DECLARATION
1. I declare that you are strengthened by the Lord to endure and overcome every dark day. No challenge will break you; you rise above every trial with the strength of God.

2. I declare that you will remain faithful and maintain your integrity, even in the face of betrayal, injustice, and false accusations. God’s favour surrounds you, and His truth will vindicate you.

3. I declare that you walk in divine guidance and direction. Even in times of fear and uncertainty, the Lord is your shepherd, leading you through every valley and shadow.

4. I declare that every spirit of despair and depression is broken over your life. You hear the voice of the Lord, and your spirit is renewed and filled with hope and joy.

5. I declare that you will worship and praise the Lord in every situation. Your praise will break chains, open doors, and release divine breakthroughs in your life.

6. I declare that you see beyond your present circumstances. God’s redemptive power is at work, turning every trial into a testimony and every setback into a setup for your comeback.

7. I declare that you have divine wisdom and discernment to understand God’s purpose and timing in every situation. Your adversity is turning into advancement, and you are stepping into a new season of favour.

8. I declare that you will not fight your battles in the flesh. The Lord fights for you, and you stand still and see His salvation. You choose peace, and God’s justice prevails.

9. I declare that your hope and vision are renewed. Your darkest days are turning into the dawn of new beginnings, and God’s light is breaking forth in your life.

10. I declare that the presence and peace of God fill your heart continually. In moments of confusion, loss, or deep pain, you are anchored in His love, and you shall not be moved.