TRUSTING GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Title: TRUSTING GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Proverbs 3:5-6
"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 41:10; Psalm 34:19; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; James 1:2-4

INTRODUCTION:
Life is filled with challenges that can test our faith, shake our confidence, and make us question God’s plan for our lives. During times of difficulty, trusting in God becomes a vital act of faith. The Bible assures us that God is near to the brokenhearted and that His plans for us are good, even when our circumstances seem bleak. Trusting God in difficult times is not always easy, but it is essential for spiritual growth and for experiencing His peace and faithfulness. In this sermon, we will explore how we can trust God during trials and how our faith in Him can bring victory, peace, and strength.

1. UNDERSTANDING THE NATURE OF TRUST

Trusting God is about relying on His wisdom, sovereignty, and goodness, even when life doesn’t make sense.

a) Trust Is a Firm Belief in God’s Character
Trusting God begins with knowing who He is—His love, faithfulness, and power. His character never changes, even when our circumstances do.

b) Trust Is a Decision, Not a Feeling
Trusting God is a choice that goes beyond how we feel. It is an act of will to rely on His promises, regardless of what we experience.

c) Trust Is Letting Go of Control
To trust God fully, we must surrender our desire to control the outcome of every situation. It involves yielding to His will, knowing that He knows best.

d) Trust Requires Patience
Trusting God in difficult times means waiting for His timing. It involves waiting patiently for Him to act, even when we cannot see the immediate solution.

e) Biblical Example:
Job is a powerful example of trusting God in the midst of suffering. Despite losing his family, wealth, and health, he trusted in God’s sovereignty and ultimately saw God's restoration (Job 1:20-22).

2. WHY WE CAN TRUST GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES

There are specific reasons why trusting God in hard times is not only possible but necessary.

a) God’s Sovereignty
God is in control of everything, and nothing happens outside of His will. He is sovereign over our lives, and His plans for us are always good (Romans 8:28).

b) God’s Faithfulness
God has proven His faithfulness throughout Scripture. He does not change, and His promises remain true even in the most challenging seasons (Psalm 34:19).

c) God’s Presence
In difficult times, God promises to be with us. He does not leave us or forsake us, and He walks through the storms of life with us (Isaiah 41:10).

d) God’s Provision
God will provide for us in every situation. He is our refuge and strength, and He meets our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

e) Biblical Example:
Daniel trusted God in the lion’s den, believing that God would protect him. Even in the face of death, Daniel’s trust in God was unwavering, and God delivered him (Daniel 6:16-23).

3. THE BENEFITS OF TRUSTING GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Trusting God during trials yields spiritual growth and peace.

a) Strength in Weakness
When we trust God, we find strength in our weakness. God’s grace is sufficient for us, and His power is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).

b) Peace in the Midst of Storms
Trusting in God allows us to experience peace that surpasses understanding, even when circumstances are chaotic (Philippians 4:7).

c) Spiritual Growth and Maturity
Trials help us grow in our faith and maturity. As we trust God, our character is refined, and we become more like Christ (James 1:2-4).

d) Hope for the Future
Trusting God helps us to see beyond our present circumstances to the hope of His eternal promises. It gives us an anchor for our souls in times of uncertainty (Romans 5:3-5).

e) Biblical Example:
Paul and Silas trusted God while imprisoned in Philippi. They praised God in their chains, and their faith led to their deliverance and the salvation of the jailer and his household (Acts 16:25-34).

4. HOW TO TRUST GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Trusting God requires intentional action, faith, and a surrendered heart.

a) Cling to God’s Word
During difficult times, we can find strength and encouragement in the promises of God’s Word. His Word is a firm foundation that we can stand on (Psalm 119:105).

b) Pray and Seek God’s Presence
Prayer is essential in building our trust in God. Through prayer, we cast our burdens on Him and receive His peace (Philippians 4:6-7).

c) Remember God’s Past Faithfulness
Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in past trials reminds us that He will continue to be faithful in the present (Psalm 77:11-12).

d) Surround Yourself with Supportive Believers
During tough times, it’s important to have a community of believers who can pray for us, encourage us, and remind us of God’s promises (Galatians 6:2).

e) Biblical Example:
King David, during his trials, often reminded himself of God’s faithfulness. Even when surrounded by enemies, he trusted in God’s protection and guidance (Psalm 23:1-4).

5. THE OUTCOME OF TRUSTING GOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES

Trusting God brings about lasting transformation and victory.

a) God Will Deliver You
God is faithful to deliver His people. When we trust Him, He will bring us through our trials and give us victory over every challenge (Psalm 34:17).

b) Your Faith Will Be Rewarded
Trusting God will lead to rewards. Our faith will result in spiritual blessings and an increase in the fruit of the Spirit (Hebrews 11:6).

c) You Will Experience God’s Peace
When we trust God, He fills us with peace that cannot be explained, a peace that guards our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

d) Your Testimony Will Bring Glory to God
Our trust in God during difficult times becomes a powerful testimony that points others to His faithfulness and love (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

e) Biblical Example:
The Israelites trusted God during their exodus from Egypt. Despite the challenges they faced, God parted the Red Sea, proving His faithfulness and power (Exodus 14:21-22).

CONCLUSION:
Trusting God in difficult times is a crucial aspect of our Christian walk. It is not always easy, but it is always worth it. As we trust God, we experience His presence, provision, peace, and power. God is faithful to guide us through life’s challenges and to deliver us according to His perfect plan. Let us choose to trust God, knowing that He is always with us and that His plans for us are for our good and His glory.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Lord, help me to trust You in every situation, even when I don’t understand.

2. Father, strengthen my faith during times of difficulty and help me to rely on You.

3. Lord, remind me of Your past faithfulness and help me to trust You for the future.

4. Father, help me to let go of control and trust Your perfect plan for my life.

5. Lord, grant me peace that surpasses understanding in the midst of my trials.

6. Father, give me the strength to endure and the patience to wait for Your timing.

7. Lord, surround me with a community of believers who will encourage and support me.

8. Father, deliver me from all my troubles and bring me to a place of victory.

9. Lord, help me to find comfort and hope in Your Word during difficult times.

10. Father, use my testimony to bring glory to Your name and encourage others.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will experience God’s faithfulness in every storm you face.

2. The peace of God will fill your heart and mind, even in the midst of trials.

3. You will see the hand of God move on your behalf, bringing deliverance and breakthrough.

4. Your faith in God will be rewarded, and you will walk in victory.