Faith in Adversity: Finding Strength

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Los Angeles on Sunday November 16, 2025. This is a continuation of the year long series "2025 A Year Filled with Faith"  But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV) We all crave smooth sailing in life. We pray for peace, health, and prosperity. But the reality of our fallen world is that adversity is a guarantee, not an exception. Whether it’s financial stress, a relationship breakdown, a health crisis, or a spiritual dry spell, sooner or later, the storm comes. The crucial question for us as believers is not if we will face adversity, but how we will face it. When everything is comfortable, when the schedule is clear, the bank account is healthy, and the family is well, it is remarkably easy to feel spiritually strong. We attend church service, we read the Word, and we believe we are securely held. But the true measure of any structure—be it a bridge, a heart, or a soul—is found not at rest, but under pressure.

Scripture 

Romans 5:1-11 NIV[1] Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, [2] through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. [3] Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; [4] perseverance, character; and character, hope. [5] And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. [6] You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. [7] Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. [8] But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. [9] Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! [10] For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! [11] Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Good morning. We all crave smooth sailing in life. We pray for peace, health, and prosperity. But the reality of our fallen world is that adversity is a guarantee, not an exception. Whether it’s financial stress, a relationship breakdown, a health crisis, or a spiritual dry spell, sooner or later, the storm comes.

The crucial question for us as believers is not if we will face adversity, but how we will face it.

Our text for today is 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NIV) But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 

This is the key to turning suffering to strength. Our text doesn't just tolerate suffering; it tells us to glory in it. 

We can do that by understanding the divine process adversity sets in motion.

1. Adversity Exposes and Strengthens Our Faith

When everything is comfortable, when the schedule is clear, the bank account is healthy, and the family is well, it is remarkably easy to feel spiritually strong. We attend church service, we read the Word, and we believe we are securely held. But the true measure of any structure—be it a bridge, a heart, or a soul—is found under pressure.

Adversity is a stress test for our faith. Like the engineer who intentionally overloads a beam, or the cardiologist who accelerates the heart rate, life's trials push us beyond our capacity. Adversity,  the stress test,  quickly reveals  the depth of our faith that is hidden when life is easy and everything is going smoothly. 

Adversity is the ultimate stress test. It immediately destroys our comfortable illusions, leaving us with this  single, question:

Is our life built on the shifting sands of temporary security—our income, our reputation, our health, our control over circumstances, or is our life anchored firmly on the rock?  Listen to what Jesus said:

Matthew 7:24-27 NIV [24]  “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. [26] But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. [27] The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

When the spiritual pressure is applied—when the diagnosis comes, when the job is lost, when the relationship fractures—our true foundation is immediately exposed. If we are on the sand, our response is panic, despair, and drift. Our faith fails the stress test.

On the other hand, if we are on the Rock, our response is perseverance, a supernatural peace, and the ability to find strength not in ourselves, but in the unwavering reliability of our Savior.

When adversity strikes, we find strength not by trying harder, but by clinging tighter to the foundational truths of God’s Word. The test isn't to see if we can withstand the storm, but to confirm that Christ, our foundation, is strong enough to guide, provide, and protect us in the storm.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV [6] Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. [7] And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

2. The Strength is Found in the Process

The world teaches that strength is the absence of struggle. God’s Word teaches that strength is the result of enduring struggle. Look again at the steps in the chain of spiritual growth  in the scripture that was read this morning at 

Romans 5:3-4 NIV  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

• Suffering leads to Perseverance

• Perseverance leads to Character

• Character leads to  Hope

The adversity you are facing right now or will face in the future is the material God is using to form in you the godly character you need for the future. 

Romans 8:28-29 NIV [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 

Perseverance isn't just gritting your teeth; it is choosing faith again and again, even when you cannot see the end. This is the openness to God's guidance that turns trials into triumph.

There was a time that the Apostle Paul had a unique and overwhelming experience.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4 NIV [2] I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of the body I do not know—God knows. [3] And I know that this man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, but God knows— [4] was caught up to paradise and heard inexpressible things, things that no one is permitted to tell. 

An overwhelming experience like this could lead to spiritual arrogance (conceit or being "puffed up").

To prevent this fatal flaw, God allowed Paul to undergo a spiritual stress test: He was given a thorn in the flesh.  Let’s continue reading;

2 Corinthians 12:5-7 NIV [5] I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses. [6] Even if I should choose to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be speaking the truth. But I refrain, so no one will think more of me than is warranted by what I do or say, [7] or because of these surpassingly great revelations. Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. 

The thorn wasn't punishment, it was a tool, sovereignly permitted by God, to ensure that Paul remained humble 

2 Corinthians 12:8-10 NIV [8] Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. [9] But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. [10] That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Facing severe adversity, we discover a universal truth: eventually, our own willpower, intellect, and emotional strength simply collapse. When stress tests push us past our breaking point, we exhaust our capacity to cope. This "end of the rope" moment proves that the necessary strength must come from beyond ourselves. Paul's desperate prayer was his acknowledgement of this exact failure—the moment the persistent trial exceeded his human limits.

Paul's test succeeded only when he surrendered. Surrender means making the absolute choice to discard reliance on our limited strength and fully yield to God. This choice is fundamental: our weakness becomes the direct access point for the Holy Spirit's power.

3. Adversity Refocuses Our Priorities

Often, God uses adversity to shake loose the things we are clinging to that aren't Him. Adversity has a way of clarifying what truly matters. It forces us to take inventory of our lives and align our priorities with God’s will.

When severe hardship strikes, the goal that once seemed all-important can quickly lose its relevance (or fade into insignificance). The trivial argument may be forgotten. Suddenly, our priorities shift to prayer, family, community, and the assurance of salvation.

This painful pruning is God's grace. It ensures that when we come out of the fire, we emerge lighter, having shed the excess baggage, and we are closer to Him. 

Something that Jesus said John 15:1-2 NIV [1]  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. [2] He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 

The strength we gain is the strength of spiritual clarity—the realization that God’s presence is our greatest possession.

Psalms 46:1 NIV promises God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Conclusion: The Unshakeable Hope

If you are currently walking through a difficult season, remember this: the storm will not last forever, but the character being built in you will last for eternity. You are not a victim of your circumstances; you are an apprentice in God's workshop, and He is perfecting His masterpiece.

Ephesians 2:10 NLT For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Find strength in the knowledge that your suffering is producing something good. Persevere, trust the process, and lean into the hope that will never put you to shame, because it is secured by God’s everlasting love.

Romans 5:3-4 NIV  Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

Let us be open to God's guidance, allowing adversity to draw us deeper into Him, where true, unshakeable strength is found.

2  Corinthians 12:10 NIV That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Let us pray.

Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we come before you acknowledging that you are our only true refuge and strength. Thank you that you never leave us to face the storms of life alone.

Lord, we confess that when adversity strikes, our first instinct is often to panic, to complain, or to turn inward. Forgive us for our lack of trust.

Today, we pray for a supernatural faith to face our trials. We ask that you would help us to find strength by being open to your guidance, allowing our suffering to produce perseverance and character in us. Remind us that this is a continuous process. Use the hard places to refine us, to solidify our foundation in Christ, and to align our priorities with your will alone.

Where we are weak, Lord, be our power. Where we lack vision, be our hope. Give us the grace to embrace the struggle, knowing that your love is pouring out into our hearts through your Holy Spirit right now.

We ask this in the strong name of Jesus, who overcame all suffering, our Savior and our hope. Amen.

Faith and Community

This is the manuscript of the sermon preached at Christ Church Los Angeles on Sunday November 9, 2025. This is a continuation of the year long series "2025 A Year Filled with Faith" 

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV)

There is a powerful, modern myth about faith. It’s the myth of the "solo" Christian. The rugged individualist who can climb the mountain of faith all alone. This is the idea that my faith is just "me and Jesus"—a purely private, personal, and internal affair. We see it everywhere. People will say, "I'm spiritual, but I don't need the church," or "I can worship God just as well on a hike or at the beach."

And while God certainly meets us in those places, this idea of a solitary faith is profoundly, dangerously, and un-biblically incomplete.

God, in His infinite wisdom, designed faith to be a "team sport." It is not a marathon we run alone; it is a relay race we run together. It's not a private performance; it's a symphony that requires every instrument playing its part in harmony.

Scripture: 

Colossians 3:1-14 NIV [1] Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. [2] Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. [3] For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will ¹appear with him in glory. [5] Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. [6] Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. [7] You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. [8] But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. [9] Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices [10] and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. [11] Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. 

Text:

Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV)And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Introduction

There is a powerful, modern myth about faith. It’s the myth of the "solo" Christian. The rugged individualist who can climb the mountain of faith all alone. 

This is the idea that my faith is just "me and Jesus"—a purely private, personal, and internal affair. We see it everywhere. People will say, "I'm spiritual, but I don't need the church," or "I can worship God just as well by watching TV or Facebook Live or YouTube or on a hike or at the beach."

And while God certainly meets us in those places, this idea of a solitary faith is profoundly, dangerously, and un-biblically incomplete.

NOTE:  This, written by Meg Bucher of Crosswalk.com,  was not included in the original sermon but added to the manuscript later. “We must challenge ourselves to leave our devices and dive into God’s mission for the church. There are lives that need our personal touch, our in-person hugs, and our shared laughter and tears. The family that forms in a healthy church body equips and consoles us in a hard world with a difficult mission to spread the gospel. When we show up, we give ourselves the opportunity for Him to show us who He made us to be. There’s a reason it’s easier to swipe ‘yes’ than it is to fight traffic and schedules and let God use our lives. “All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). We’ll never know what part we’re to play if we don’t physically show up to listen.” 

The title for our message today is Faith in Community. That community is the Church. Here’s the central truth I want us to wrestle with: You cannot grow into the fullness of faith God intends for you, by yourself.

God, in His infinite wisdom, designed faith to be a "team sport." It is not a marathon we run alone; it is a relay race we run together. It's not a private performance; it's a symphony that requires every instrument playing its part in harmony.

Take a look at Genesis 1:31 NIV God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day.

After creating everything including man and seeing that all creation was very good but there was one thing  He declared "not good"?

Look at Genesis 2:18 NIV The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

The church is not just a gathering of separate believers; it is an interdependent system where each member relies on the others to function fully.

1 Corinthians 12:12-20 NIV [12] Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. [13] For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. [14] Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. [15] Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [16] And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. [17] If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? [18] But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. [19] If they were all one part, where would the body be? [20] As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

Think about that. A hand cannot decide, "I think I'll just be a hand over here, by myself. I don't need the arm or the eye." It's absurd. The moment a hand is detached from the body, it ceases to be a hand in any functional sense. It loses its power, its purpose, and its life.

So it is with us. To be a "lone wolf" Christian is to attempt to be a body part disconnected from the body. It doesn't work. We need the body to fulfill our God-given purpose.

First, the church is a Workshop for Growth.

If you want to know how you're really doing in your faith, don't just look at yourself when you're alone in prayer. Look at how you interact with your brothers and sisters.

Proverbs 27:17 NIV says As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.

Sharpening involves friction. It's not always comfortable. We need others to hold us accountable, to challenge our blind spots, and to help us see where we need to grow.

Second, the church is a Hospital for the Hurting.

Here's what it says In Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 GNT  [9] Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. [10] If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it's just too bad, because there is no one to help him. [11] If it is cold, two can sleep together and stay warm, but how can you keep warm by yourself? [12] Two people can resist an attack that would defeat one person alone. A rope made of three cords is hard to break.

This is the beautiful, practical reality of the church. Life is hard. We will stumble. We will face loss, doubt, sickness, and heartache. As we’ve said before, faith is not a shield from the storm; it is the anchor in the storm. And often, that anchor is held by the hands of the people sitting next to you.

Galatians 6:2 NIV says Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 

Carrying each other's burdens is the law of Christ in action. It is the living, breathing fulfillment of the command to love your neighbor as yourself—a radical, costly, and selfless outpouring of compassion. 

It's the meal brought to a grieving family. Bringing a meal is an act of carrying their burden, offering a moment of grace in their darkest hour. It is a silent declaration that they are not alone in their pain. It is the practical provision that allows them to focus on healing rather than survival.

​It's the late-night phone call to a friend in crisis, not a quick, hurried piece of advice, but a willingness to sacrifice personal rest and comfort to become an unwavering anchor in their emotional storm. This is the act of sitting in the uncomfortable space of another's fear, offering the profound, unshakable peace that underlies all true healing when every other support structure gives way.

It's the quiet prayer of intercession for someone who is too weak to pray for themselves, the highest form of spiritual solidarity. This is the unseen, powerful work of carrying a brother's or sister's burden directly before the throne of grace, trusting in the strength of God when human strength has completely failed. It is acknowledging their spiritual exhaustion and lending your own faith when theirs is depleted.

This is the kind of faith that Jesus modeled. He didn't just teach love; He became love made visible. He didn't wait for formal invitations; He moved toward the marginalized, the broken, and the hurting. The law of Christ is not a set of rigid rules, but a constant, relational posture—an ongoing choice to prioritize the needs of others and to live out God's will through tangible acts of sacrificial kindness, making the intangible power of God's Spirit real and accessible in the world."

First, the church is a Workshop for Growth, Second, Community is a Hospital for the Hurting, Third, the church is a Megaphone for God's Guidance.

While God can speak in the quiet of our hearts, in His Word and when we pray He often He guides us through His people. 

When you are isolated, you are vulnerable to your own biases and to the deceit of the enemy. But when you are in a loving community, you are surrounded by a "great cloud of witnesses."   Remember that scripture from Hebrews 12:1 

Hebrews 12:1 NIV [1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 

We run alongside one another.  We are stronger together.

You have the wisdom of those who have walked this road longer than you. You have the encouragement of your peers. You have the gift of prophecy, of teaching, of wisdom, and of discernment distributed throughout the body, the community of believers.

We need each other to hear God clearly.

3. And Finally, the church is not an exclusive club or a "holy huddle" to protect us from the world. The church has a mission.

John 13:34-35 NIV [34]  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Jesus didn't say, "They will know you are my disciples by your perfect theology," or "by your political power," or "by your beautiful buildings."

No, He said, "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Our love for each other—our messy, imperfect, grace-filled, "iron-sharpening-iron" community—is a beacon, a light to the world. In a world that is fractured by division, loneliness, and tribalism, a community that loves across differences, that forgives freely, and that carries one another's burdens is the most powerful testimony for the Gospel we have.

The early church is a perfect picture of this.

Acts 2:42-47 NIV [42] They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [43] Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. [44] All the believers were together and had everything in common. [45] They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. [46] Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, [47] praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

They shared everything. They took care of one another.

And what was the result? "And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." 

The church was attractive. Their supernatural love was a signpost that pointed directly to a supernatural God, and that is what we should be.

John 13:34-35 NIV [34]  “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. [35] By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Conclusion

So, where do we go from here?

Faith is a continuous process, and we cannot walk it alone. We need a strong foundation, and that foundation is Jesus Christ. But the house we build on that foundation is built together.

Ephesians 2:19-22 NIV [19] Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, [20] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. [21] In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. [22] And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

I want to challenge you today with a simple question. Are you just attending, or are you belonging? Are you a consumer, or are you a contributor?

If you are on the fringes, feeling isolated, I invite you today: Plug in. Look around. Whose burden can you help carry this week? How can you be the "iron" that sharpens someone else?

We need each other.  We are God's design. We are the Body of Christ. We are a family. 

Prayer

Gracious God, you who are a perfect community of love, thank you for not leaving us alone. Thank you for designing us for family, for fellowship, for the Body of Christ. Forgive us for the times we have chosen isolation over the messy, beautiful work of community. Lord, knit us together. Make us a people who carry burdens, who sharpen one another, and who love so fiercely that the world can't help but see You. Amen.