BECOMING A STRETCHER BEARER – Part III – DON’T GIVE UP – How to Make it Through Difficult Times

BECOMING A STRETCHER BEARER – Part 3

DON’T GIVE UP – How to Make it Through Difficult Times

March 6th, 2022

Pastor Mike Slater

This morning we will continue the series on BECOMING A STRETCHER BEARER.

An understanding into the biblical concept of encouragement and support.

Today’s talk centers on how to make it thru hard and difficult times. Many times we find ourselves on a “stretcher” without the support of family and friends. 

How to make it when there is no one to turn to or when others let you down. 

Also, those times when it seems prayers are not being answered or listened to and it feels like God seems far away and not paying attention to you.

This morning we will follow our Lord’s example in order to find victory in difficult times. 

We also want to respond to the challenge of standing firm in our faith during these lonely times that I call “Gethsemane Moments.” 

Those moments are the difficult times and places in our life we have to face and many times alone.

There are 3 keys to handling these hard moments. Go back with me this morning to the story of the garden of gethsemane and learn the truth behind these 3 keys so you can make it thru these times and stay firm in your faith.

The key scripture  is Matthew 26: 36-46.

PASTOR MIKE

Matthew 26:36-46 – NVI

Gethsemane

36 Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” 37 He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. 38 Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.”

39 Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

40 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

42 He went away a second time and prayed, “My Father, if it is not possible for this cup to be taken away unless I drink it, may your will be done.”

43 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. 44 So he left them and went away once more and prayed the third time, saying the same thing.

45 Then he returned to the disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look, the hour has come, and the Son of Man is delivered into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!”