God’s Truth About Anger—And His Presence in Our Pain"

 

Sermon: "God’s Truth About Anger—And His Presence in Our Pain"

Scripture Focus: "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil." — Ephesians 4:26-27 (ESV)

Opening:

Anger is a natural human emotion—one that even Jesus expressed (Mark 3:5). But what does God say about it? How do we, as believers, handle anger, especially when it rises from pain, frustration, or the challenges of living with disabilities? Today, we’ll explore God’s wisdom on anger, relate it to an Old Testament example, and remember this truth: Even in our anger, God is with us.

1. Anger Is Not Sin—But How We Handle It Matters

God’s Word doesn’t condemn anger itself but warns us against letting it control us. Ephesians 4:26-27 acknowledges anger but cautions us not to let it fester into bitterness or sin. For many of us with disabilities, anger can flare in moments of suffering—when pain feels unbearable, when medical treatments seem endless, or when our bodies limit us. I’ve been there too: lying in bed, frustrated, asking God, "Why must I go through this again?"

But here’s the grace: God understands. Jesus wept (John 11:35). He cried out in anguish (Matthew 27:46). Our anger doesn’t shock Him—but He invites us to bring it to Him.

2. Learning from Jonah: Anger in Suffering

In the Old Testament, Jonah knew anger well. After God spared Nineveh, Jonah "became angry" (Jonah 4:1). He even said, "I am angry enough to die" (v. 9). Why? Because things didn’t go as he wanted. God responded with a question: "Is it right for you to be angry?" (v. 4).

Jonah’s story mirrors our struggles. We may rage at our bodies, at doctors, even at God when life feels unfair. But God doesn’t scold Jonah for his emotion—He engages him. He asks Jonah to reflect, just as He asks us: "Where is your anger leading you? Closer to Me, or further into despair?"

3. The Anchor in the Storm: God Is With Us

When pain or frustration ignites anger, we must remember:

God hears us. Like David, we can cry, "How long, O Lord?" (Psalm 13:1).

God redeems our pain. Romans 8:28 reminds us He works all things for good.

God offers peace. Philippians 4:6-7 urges us to pray instead of stewing in rage.

Closing Challenge:

Next time anger rises—when the pain is sharp, the wait is long, or the treatment feels endless—pause. Ask, "God, what are You teaching me here?" Pour out your heart like Jonah, like David, but then let Him answer. Don’t let anger steal your hope. You are not alone. The God who walked with Jonah in his frustration walks with you in your pain.

Prayer:

Father, when anger burns in us, remind us of Your nearness. Help us to release our rage into Your hands and trust Your plan—even when it’s hard. Thank You for loving us in our storms. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

—Tylia L. Flores

Trusting God in Uncertain Times—Letting Him Write Our Story

 Sermon: Trusting God in Uncertain Times—Letting Him Write Our Story

Text: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." — Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Introduction:

We live in a world filled with uncertainty. Every day, we are bombarded with news that stirs up fear—wars, political tensions, economic struggles, and personal battles that leave us feeling anxious and unsure. Right now, many are worried about the escalating conflict with Iran, wondering what will happen next. Others are facing personal storms—health struggles, financial hardships, or unanswered prayers that weigh heavy on the heart.

I know this feeling well. Living with Cerebral Palsy, there have been many moments where I questioned why my journey had to be this way. There were times I worried about the future, wondering how I would overcome certain obstacles. But through it all, God has shown me one undeniable truth: He has never failed me, and He will never fail you.

1. Worry Steals Our Peace—Faith Restores It

Jesus said, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:34).

Worry does nothing but drain us. It doesn’t change our circumstances; it only distracts us from God’s promises. When we fixate on the "what ifs," we take our eyes off the One who holds all answers.

The Iran Crisis: Many are afraid of what war could bring—instability, loss, suffering. But God is still sovereign. Nations rise and fall by His will (Daniel 2:21).

Our Personal Battles: Maybe you’re waiting on healing, a breakthrough, or direction. Like me with Cerebral Palsy, you might wonder, "Why this struggle?" But God doesn’t waste our pain—He uses it for His glory.

Worrying says, "God, I don’t trust You with this." Faith says, "Even when I don’t understand, I believe You’re working."

2. God’s Plan Is Greater Than Our Understanding

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11

We want answers now. We want to see the full map of our journey. But faith means trusting God even when we only see one step at a time.

Joseph’s Story: Sold into slavery, falsely accused, forgotten in prison—yet God was writing a greater story (Genesis 50:20).

My Journey with CP: What felt like a limitation became a testimony. God used my struggles to strengthen my faith and encourage others.

Our lives are not accidents. Every challenge, every delay, every unanswered prayer is part of a divine script. God isn’t just in our story—He’s writing it.

3. Letting Go and Letting God Lead

"Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." — 1 Peter 5:7

Surrender isn’t weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s saying, "God, I don’t have the answers, but I trust You do."

Pray Instead of Panic: When fear rises, kneel instead of fret.

Worship in the Wait: Even in uncertainty, praise Him. He’s still good.

Remember His Faithfulness: Look back at how He’s carried you before. If He did it then, He’ll do it again.

Closing:

Today, if you’re carrying burdens—whether it’s global fears or personal struggles—I challenge you: Release them to God. He has never failed His children. He didn’t fail David against Goliath, Daniel in the lion’s den, or Jesus at the cross. And He won’t fail you.

Your journey may not be easy, but it is purposeful. Your story isn’t over—God is still writing it. So trust Him. Believe Him. Love Him. And watch how He turns your trials into triumphs.

Let us pray…

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father,

We come before You today with hearts that are sometimes heavy with worry, minds that are clouded with uncertainty, and spirits that grow weary from the battles of this life. But right now, we choose to lay it all down at Your feet.

Lord, for those who are anxious about the troubles in this world—the wars, the conflicts, the instability—remind us that You are still on the throne. You hold the nations in Your hands, and no earthly power can stand against Your sovereign will.

For those facing personal struggles—health battles, financial hardships, unanswered prayers, or the weight of waiting—we ask for Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to release our need for control and trust that You are working all things for our good.

Father, just as You have carried me through every challenge of Cerebral Palsy, proving Your strength in my weakness, we know You will do the same for all who call on Your name. Strengthen our faith. Silence the voice of fear. Fill us with unshakable confidence in Your promises.

Teach us to walk by faith and not by sight, to rest in Your love even when the path is unclear. Write our stories, Lord, in ways that bring You glory, and help us to say with boldness: "Not my will, but Yours be done."

We thank You in advance for the victory, for the breakthrough, for the peace that only You can give. We trust You, we love You, and we surrender all to You now.

The Heart of a Father

 

The Heart of a Father – Biblical Lessons on Fatherhood and Disabilities

Text: "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him." – Psalm 103:13 (ESV)

Introduction:

Fatherhood is a sacred calling, a reflection of God’s love and care for His children. The Bible gives us many examples of fathers—some who succeeded, some who failed, and some who carried the heavy but holy burden of raising a child with disabilities. Today, we honor fathers, especially those who care for children with special needs, and we learn from their faith, perseverance, and unconditional love.

1. God the Father – Our Perfect Example

Before we look at earthly fathers, we must first look to our Heavenly Father. God’s love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4), His strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), and He never leaves nor forsakes His children (Deuteronomy 31:6). Fathers are called to mirror this divine love—especially when the journey is hard.

2. Biblical Fathers Who Raised Children with Disabilities

The Bible doesn’t shy away from stories of hardship, including families affected by disability. Though not always explicitly named as disabilities, some conditions (like blindness, muteness, or seizures) reflect the challenges many families face today.

Jacob and Benjamin (Genesis 44-45)

Benjamin was Jacob’s youngest son, born in Rachel’s painful labor (Genesis 35:16-18). Jacob carried deep grief and likely overprotected Benjamin, calling him his "son of sorrow." Yet, God turned that sorrow into blessing—Benjamin became the ancestor of great leaders.

Lesson: Even in grief, God has a purpose. Fathers who wrestle with sorrow can trust that God is still writing their child’s story.

Jairus and His Daughter (Mark 5:21-43)

Jairus, a synagogue leader, fell at Jesus’ feet, begging Him to heal his dying daughter. Despite ridicule and delay, Jesus raised her to life.

Lesson: A father’s faith can move mountains. Even when the world says "it’s too late," God hears a father’s cry.

The Father of the Demon-Possessed Boy (Mark 9:14-29)

This desperate father brought his son, who had seizures and was mute, to Jesus. He cried, "I believe; help my unbelief!" Jesus healed the boy, showing that even imperfect faith is met with divine power.

Lesson: Fathers don’t have to be perfect—just persistent. God honors honest prayers and struggles.

3. What We Can Learn from Fathers of Children with Disabilities

Patience is a Form of Love – Like the father in Mark 9, waiting on God’s timing requires endurance (Romans 12:12).

Advocacy is Sacred – Just as Jairus fought for his daughter’s healing, fathers today must champion their children in a world that often overlooks them.

Weakness Reveals God’s Strength – When a father feels inadequate, God says, "My grace is sufficient for you" (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Conclusion: Honoring the Fathers Who Carry the Load

To every father—especially those who wake up nightly to care for a child, who fight for therapies and inclusion, who hide their tears but keep praying—you are seen. Your love reflects Christ’s love for the vulnerable.

And to all of us: Let us support these fathers. Carry their burdens (Galatians 6:2). Encourage them. Most of all, point them to the Father who never fails.

Closing Prayer:

"Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of fathers. Strengthen those who are weary, comfort those who grieve, and fill them with hope. Help us all to love as You love—unconditionally, sacrificially, and faithfully. In Jesus’ name, Amen."

Blessing:

"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He give you strength for today, hope for tomorrow, and peace in every step. Go in His grace. Amen."

What Does the Bible Say About Disabilities? Finding Strength in Weakness

 What Does the Bible Say About Disabilities? Finding Strength in Weakness

Scripture Focus: "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." — 2 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

Introduction: The Purpose in Our Struggles

I’ll never forget the first time I truly wrestled with my cerebral palsy. Not the physical challenges—those were familiar—but the deeper question: "God, why did You make me this way?"

One night, after a particularly difficult day of muscle spasms and frustrated mobility, I opened my Bible and landed on 2 Corinthians 12. Paul’s words struck me like lightning: "My power is made perfect in weakness."

It was then I realized—my disability wasn’t a mistake. It was an invitation.

The world sees weakness as something to hide, but God sees it as fertile ground for His glory.

1. Disabilities in the Bible: Not a Mistake, But a Divine Purpose

A. Moses – The Reluctant Leader with a Speech Impediment

"Moses said to the Lord, ‘Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent… I am slow of speech and tongue.’" — Exodus 4:10

Moses wasn’t just "nervous"—he had a real speech difficulty. Maybe a stutter, maybe a neurological condition. Yet God didn’t say, "Oh, I’ll find someone better." He said, "I made your mouth. I’ll be with it." (Exodus 4:11-12, paraphrased).

Everyday Connection:

How many of us avoid serving because we feel "not good enough"? Moses teaches us that God doesn’t call the qualified—He qualifies the called.

B. Jacob – The Man Who Walked with a Limp

After wrestling all night with God, Jacob emerged with a dislocated hip—a permanent limp (Genesis 32:25-31).

Here’s what fascinates me: Jacob walked better after he was injured. Before, he was a schemer, a manipulator. But his limp became a mark of dependence.

Everyday Connection:

Sometimes God allows things that slow us down—chronic pain, fatigue, disability—not to harm us, but to redirect us. My wheelchair doesn’t limit me; it positions me to rely on Him.

C. The Blind Man – Born That Way for God’s Glory

"Neither this man nor his parents sinned," said Jesus, "but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him." — John 9:3

The disciples assumed disability = punishment. Jesus corrected them. The man’s blindness was a canvas for divine artistry.

Personal Story:

A teenager once asked me, "Don’t you hate being in a wheelchair?" I smiled and said, "This chair is my pulpit. More people ask me about Jesus because of it than if I could walk."

D. Paul – A Thorn in the Flesh

Paul’s mysterious "thorn" (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) was likely a chronic condition—maybe migraines, malaria, or even poor eyesight (Galatians 4:15).

Three times he begged for healing. God said no. But He gave something better: "My grace is sufficient."

Everyday Connection:

We pray for miracles (and God still does them!). But sometimes the greater miracle isn’t removal of the thorn—it’s peace in the midst of it.

2. What Does God Really Say About Disabilities?

A. He Chooses the Weak to Shame the Strong

"God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." — 1 Corinthians 1:27

The world worships ability, but God elevates dependency. My cerebral palsy means I need help with things others take for granted—and that’s holy.

B. Broken Vessels Carry the Most Light

"We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us." — 2 Corinthians 4:7

Cracked pottery was worthless in ancient times—until someone put a lamp inside. Then the cracks let the light out.

Personal Story:

One day as I was walking with my nurse, a lady approached us and she said after seeing you today, I know that I will have better days

3. When You Feel Defeated and Lost

A. God’s Nearness in the Dark

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." — Psalm 34:18

On days when my legs won’t cooperate, I imagine Jesus kneeling beside my wheelchair, His hand on mine. "I’m here. We’ll do this together."

B. Tears Are Sacred

"You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in Your bottle." — Psalm 56:8

God doesn’t dismiss our pain. He collects it. Every frustrated tear, every silent scream—He treasures them.

4. How Do We Respond?

A. Ask Better Questions

Instead of "Why me?" try:

"God, what do You want to show me?"

"Who needs to see Your strength in my weakness?"

B. Embrace Your Story

A woman once said, "You’re so inspiring!" I replied, "No—Christ in me is inspiring. I’m just the frame around the masterpiece."

Conclusion: The Beauty of Weakness

Years ago, I visited a blacksmith’s shop. He explained that steel is strongest after it’s been forged in fire and hammered on the anvil.

That’s us. Our disabilities, our struggles—they’re the fire and hammer shaping us into weapons of worship.

So today, if your body or mind feels broken, hear this:

You are not God’s afterthought—you’re His masterpiece.

Your limitations are His loudspeakers.

And when you feel weakest, His power is closest.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for loving us as we are. Help us see our struggles through Your eyes. Where we feel weak, remind us You are strong. Use our stories to draw others to You. Amen.

Discussion Questions (For Small Groups or Reflection):

When have you seen God use weakness for His glory?

How can the church better embrace those with disabilities?

What "thorn" have you begged God to remove? How might His grace be sufficient there?

Would you like me to add a section on practical ways to support those with disabilities in the church? Or expand on any personal stories?