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How to Triumph Over
Life's Problems
Life is Full of Problems
Life has a way of catching us off guard. A
humorous story of a man trying to transport bricks from a second
floor using a pulley system quickly turns into a disaster as the
laws of physics and poor planning collide—bricks come crashing down,
a barrel swings violently, and the man ends up hospitalized with
multiple injuries. As comical as the story may be, it reminds us of
how unpredictable life is. Just when we think we’ve got things in
order, everything comes crashing down. And when we try to recover,
more problems seem to pile on.
Every one of us experiences hardship—financial
struggles, grief, illness, stress, or anxiety. Problems are part of
the human experience. One minister humorously recounted being locked
out of his house in his underwear on a freezing January day—all
because he rushed to save his marriage by taking out the trash. As
silly as it was, that moment became a lasting reminder of humility,
laughter, and the unpredictable nature of life.
God Never Promised a Problem-Free Life
Scripture affirms that trials are inevitable.
James 1:2 urges us to “count it all joy when you fall into various
trials.” Likewise, 1 Peter 1:6 reminds us that we can rejoice even
when we are grieved by various difficulties. The Bible does not say
we will avoid trouble, but it assures us that we can endure and even
grow from it. Problems are not meant to crush us—they are meant to
shape us.
As someone once wrote, “Touch a thistle timidly
and it will prick you; grasp it boldly and its spines crumble.” We
must confront our problems rather than run from them. This week, we
consider a few scriptural principles that can help us triumph over
life’s troubles.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
Romans 5:3–4 teaches us to “glory in tribulations,
knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance,
character; and character, hope.” In other words, suffering isn’t
meaningless. God uses our struggles to mold us into stronger, wiser,
more hopeful people. But our attitude matters. A bitter heart cannot
see blessings; a positive heart can rejoice even through tears.
Habakkuk 3:17–18 paints a powerful picture: even
when the fig tree doesn’t blossom and there is no fruit on the vine,
“yet I will rejoice in the Lord.” We are called to praise God not
only in our victories but in our trials. And we are reminded in 1
Corinthians 10:13 that God will never allow us to be tempted beyond
what we can bear. When we rely on Him, we will find strength we
didn’t know we had.
Live One Day at a Time
Jesus gives us practical advice in Matthew 6:34:
“Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own
things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” If we carry
yesterday’s regrets and borrow tomorrow’s fears, we will be crushed
under a weight we were never meant to bear. God’s grace is
sufficient for today—let’s learn to live in the present.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote to his daughter:
“Finish every day and be done with it… Tomorrow is a new day… You
should not waste a moment of today on the rottenness of yesterday.”
That’s godly advice. Paul echoes this in Philippians 3:13–14,
telling us to forget what is behind and press on toward what is
ahead.
Conclusion
If we choose to maintain a positive attitude and
learn to live one day at a time, we will begin to triumph over our
problems rather than be defeated by them. And in doing so, we may
even find unexpected joy, deeper character, and unshakable faith.
Next week, we will explore even more ways God uses trials to help us
grow and bless others. Until then, let us lean on one another and
lean on the Lord—because no matter what we face, God is greater.
If you need the prayers of the church, or if today
is the day you are ready to put on Christ in baptism, we invite you
to come while we stand and sing.
Sermon Outline: How to
Triumph Over Life’s Problems
Introduction
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Life is full
of unexpected challenges—financial struggles, loss, illness,
stress.
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God never
promised a problem-free life, but He did promise we could
overcome.
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This lesson
uses humor and scripture to show how to face life’s problems
with faith and courage.
I. Life Is Full of Ups and
Downs
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Illustrative
story: the man, the barrel, and the bricks.
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Just when life
seems stable, the bottom falls out again.
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Problems are
universal: everyone faces trials (James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6).
II. Keep a Positive Attitude
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Romans 5:3–4:
Suffering builds perseverance, character, and hope.
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Problems are
meant to make us better, not bitter.
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Like the
preacher in his underwear—humor and perspective can change
everything.
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Rejoice in the
Lord even during hardship (Habakkuk 3:17–18).
III. Trust God's Strength
in Trials
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1
Corinthians 10:13: God won’t allow us to be tempted beyond what
we can handle.
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Even when we
feel weak, God knows our capacity.
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God provides
a “way of escape”—we must trust and seek it.
IV. Live One Day at a Time
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Matthew
6:34: Don’t worry about tomorrow—today has enough trouble of its
own.
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Emerson’s
advice: “Finish every day and be done with it.”
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Let go of
past failures and focus on today’s blessings and
responsibilities.
V. Forget What’s Behind
and Press Forward
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Philippians
3:13–14: Forget what lies behind and reach forward to what’s
ahead.
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Don’t allow
yesterday’s regrets or tomorrow’s anxieties to steal today’s
joy.
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Forgive
yourself, let go of guilt, and move forward with hope.
Call to Action
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When you
feel overwhelmed by life’s problems, remember:
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Keep
your attitude rooted in Christ.
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Trust
God's promise of strength.
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Focus on
today and not on yesterday’s mistakes or tomorrow’s worries.
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If you need
help, prayer, or encouragement—come forward.
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If today is
the day you choose to be baptized into Christ, don’t delay.
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God is ready
to help you triumph over every problem—are you ready to trust
Him?
Call to Action
Life can knock the
wind out of us—financial setbacks,
grief, embarrassment, or guilt can
feel overwhelming. But the message
of Scripture is not one of
despair—it is one of hope. God
doesn’t promise a life without
problems, but He does promise
strength to endure, grace to heal,
and hope to overcome. The key is
learning to face each day with a
positive attitude, trusting in God's
faithfulness, and letting go of the
past. Will you choose today to stop
carrying yesterday’s burdens and
stop borrowing tomorrow’s worries?
Will you press forward with faith,
trusting that the God of your
salvation is greater than your
trial? If you need prayer,
encouragement, or if today is the
day you’re ready to obey the gospel
and begin your walk with Christ—come
now, while we stand and sing.
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The
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