How To Handle Hard Times God's Way | Mike Prah Sermons

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HOW TO HANDLE HARD TIMES GOD’S WAY

SERIES: Through It All—Finding God’s Strength in Hard Times

Mike Prah | April 12, 2026

“The righteous person faces many troubles, but the Lord comes to the rescue each time.” Psalm 34:19 (NLT)

“People can never predict when hard times might come.  Like fish in a net or birds in a snare, people are often caught by sudden tragedy.”  Ecclesiastes 9:12 (NLT)

 “God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 (NLT)

“You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.” Matthew 5:4 (MSG)

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven . . . There is a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.”  Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 (NIV)

 1. GOD GIVES US HIS . RUN TO HIM!

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and He saves those whose spirits have been crushed. “ Psalm 34:18 (NCV)

“God has said, “I will never leave you;  I will never abandon you.”  Hebrews 13:5 (NCV) [Deut. 31:5,8; Josh. 1:5]

“Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you … for My yoke is easy and burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NIV)

“Our hearts ache, but AT THE SAME TIME we have the joy of the Lord. We are poor, but we give rich spiritual gifts to others. We own nothing, and yet we enjoy everything.” 2 Corinthians 6:10a (LB) 

(Jesus) “He has sent Me to comfort all who mourn, to give to those who mourn … joy and gladness instead of grief, and a song of praise instead of sorrow.” Isaiah 61:2-3 (GN)

Wisdom Take-Away: In hard times, don’t run from God—run to the One who is already near.

 2. GOD USES OUR PAIN TO HELP US . TRUST AND OBEY HIM!

“Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways.” Proverbs 20:30 (GN)

 “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)

“These troubles are getting us ready for an eternal glory that will make all our troubles seem like nothing. Things that are seen don’t last forever, but things that are not seen are eternal. That’s why we keep focused on the things that can’t be seen.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (CEV)

“OBEY GOD and BE AT PEACE WITH HIM and stop treating Him like an enemy; this is the way to happiness. If you do, then He will bless you. ACCEPT THE TEACHING HE GIVES; keep His words in your heart. Yes, you must humbly return to God.  If you return to the Almighty, you will be blessed again.” Job 22:21-23 (NCV+GN)

Wisdom Take-Away: Your pain is not pointless. God is using it to shape your character and prepare your future.

3. GOD USES OUR PAIN TO   OTHERS. SHARE YOUR TESTIMONY

“The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with Him. But Jesus sent him home, saying, “No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.” Luke 8:38-39 (NLT)

“He [God] comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Corinthians1:4 (NLT)          

Wisdom Take-Away: What hurt you becomes what God uses to heal others and bless you.