Topic: Victory in Difficult Times Preacher: Pastor (Dr) Otive Igbuzor
Text: Rom 8:37; 1 Cor 15:57 Date: 23/2/24
Introduction
Today, we are living in a world filled with challenges and uncertainties. This ranges from personal struggles to national problems and global crises. In Nigeria, the difficulties are many- petrol price, power problems, inflation, increase in price of food, hunger, transportation problems, unemployment etc. Difficulties are a part of life.
As Christians, God has not called us to live in fear or despair. We are called to walk in victory, even in the midst of difficult times.
How-to live-in Victory in Difficult Times
- Trust God: God has promised to help us in time of trouble or difficulty. Trust Him.
Ps 46: 1-3-God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble 2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. (KJV)
Rom 8: 28-And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (KJV)
God has promised. He will provide.
Matt 6: 31-33-31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? 32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)
- Find strength in God’s word: The promise in the word of God gives us strength.
Jos 1:9- Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. (KJV)
Ps 119: 105-Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. (KJV)
- Overcome Difficulty through Faith and Prayer: There is no difficulty that cannot be crumbled by faith and prayer.
Heb 11:1 – Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (KJV)
Phil 4:6-7-Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (KJV)
- Victory is assured: You have victory even before the difficulty comes.
Rom 8:37-Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (KJV)
1 Cor 15:57 – But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (KJV)
Challenge
Are you facing difficulty? Do you trust God? Can you find solace in the word of God? Are you praying? Do you know that you are already victorious?
Conclusion
We are in a period of difficulty. But if we trust God, follow God’s words and pray, victory is assured.
Prayer Point
Father, let my victory be evident for all to see.