SUNDAY SERVICE
27TH JULY, 2025
SWEET END
Text: Job 42:12–17
“So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning…” – Job 42:12a
INTRODUCTION
The Scripture declares in Ecclesiastes 7:8:
“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”
Though the beginning of a matter may be rough, painful, and full of uncertainties, God assures us that the end can be sweet, rewarding, and full of glory. The story of Job is a living proof that our end can be better than our beginning.
WHY GOD ALLOWS TRIALS (Using Job as a Case Study)
God allows trials in the lives of His children:
Job was a righteous man, yet he faced unimaginable loss and affliction (John 16:33). However, in the end, his restoration surpassed his affliction. His ridicules were turned to miracles. He recorded a glorious comeback and sweet end
Here are some reasons why God allows trials in the lives of His own:
- Promotion and Enlargement
Trials can be the passage to promotion.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
- Refinement of Character
God uses trials to refine us like gold.
“But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” – Job 23:10
- To Showcase His Glory and Power
Job’s testimony glorified God.
“This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God…” – John 11:4
- To Equip Us to Help Others
Those who go through pain can comfort others.
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them…” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
- To Test and Prove Our Faith
True faith shines brightest in adversity.
“The trial of your faith… being much more precious than of gold that perisheth…” – 1 Peter 1:7
RIGHT ATTITUDES IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS
While in trials, our attitude matters. Job kept a godly posture, and so must we. Here’s how:
- Don’t Be Discouraged – Count It All Joy
“Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.” – James 1:2
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)
- Don’t Despair – There Is Hope
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Hope thou in God…” – Psalm 42:11
I watched the highlights of the match between Nigeria and Morocco in the just-concluded WAFCON 2025 before the preparation of this message. The Nigerian women didn’t just stage a remarkable comeback after a discouraging first half—they went on to lift the trophy with a thrilling finish in the second half.
There’s always a second half to turn things around for you! Don’t be discouraged. Don’t despair.
“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease” (Job 14:7)
- Do Good to Others – Like Job Prayed for His Friends
“And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends…” – Job 42:10
- Be Resilient in Prayer and Total Trust in God
“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” – Luke 18:1
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” – Job 13:15
- Stay Focused on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Your Faith
“Looking unto Jesus… who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…” – Hebrews 12:2
- Rejoice in Hope of the Glory That Is Coming
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory…” – Romans 8:18
Remember, YOU and GOD determine the duration of your life examination. Once you learnt the lessons in the midst of the trial through submission, God will not suffer you beyond what you can bear (1 Cor. 10:13). He will make a way of escape for you in Jesus Name.
GOD’S PROMISE TO YOU
Your current pain is not the end of your story. Your glory will soon appear. God’s Word declares:
“Your latter end shall be greatly increased.” – Job 8:7
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth…” – Isaiah 43:19
You will laugh last
– Just like Sarah laughed after her long delay (Genesis 21:6), so will you.
You will testify
– Just like Job, your story will end in glory.
CONCLUSION
Don’t be discouraged by what you’re facing today. God is not done with you yet.
“The pain of today cannot be compared with the gain of tomorrow.”
“The story of today will soon become a testimony of glory.”
Hold on! Your sweet end is near
“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
PRAYER
Father, thank You because my end shall be sweeter than my beginning.
Strengthen me to endure trials and hold on in faith.
Let my life glorify You in the end like Job’s.
I decree: My end shall be glorious, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
SHALOM
SWEET END
Text: Job 42:12–17
“So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning…” – Job 42:12a
INTRODUCTION
The Scripture declares in Ecclesiastes 7:8:
“Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof: and the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.”
Though the beginning of a matter may be rough, painful, and full of uncertainties, God assures us that the end can be sweet, rewarding, and full of glory. The story of Job is a living proof that our end can be better than our beginning.
WHY GOD ALLOWS TRIALS (Using Job as a Case Study)
God allows trials in the lives of His children:
Job was a righteous man, yet he faced unimaginable loss and affliction (John 16:33). However, in the end, his restoration surpassed his affliction. His ridicules were turned to miracles. He recorded a glorious comeback and sweet end
Here are some reasons
- Promotion and Enlargement
Trials can be the passage to promotion.
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” – 1 Peter 5:6
- Refinement of Character
God uses trials to refine us like gold.
“But He knoweth the way that I take: when He hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” – Job 23:10
- To Showcase His Glory and Power
Job’s testimony glorified God.
“This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God…” – John 11:4
- To Equip Us to Help Others
Those who go through pain can comfort others.
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them…” – 2 Corinthians 1:4
- To Test and Prove Our Faith
True faith shines brightest in adversity.
“The trial of your faith… being much more precious than of gold that perisheth…” – 1 Peter 1:7
RIGHT ATTITUDES IN THE MIDST OF TRIALS
While in trials, our attitude matters. Job kept a godly posture, and so must we. Here’s how:
- Don’t Be Discouraged – Count It All Joy
“Count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations.” – James 1:2
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)
- Don’t Despair – There Is Hope
“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? Hope thou in God…” – Psalm 42:11
“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease” (Job 14:7)
- Do Good to Others – Like Job Prayed for His Friends
“And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends…” – Job 42:10
- Be Resilient in Prayer and Total Trust in God
“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” – Luke 18:1
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him…” – Job 13:15
- Stay Focused on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Your Faith
“Looking unto Jesus… who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…” – Hebrews 12:2
- Rejoice in Hope of the Glory That Is Coming
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory…” – Romans 8:18
Remember, YOU and GOD determine the duration of your life examination. Once you learnt the lessons in the midst of the trial through submission, God will not suffer you beyond what you can bear (1 Cor. 10:13). He will make a way of escape for you in Jesus Name.
GOD’S PROMISE TO YOU
Your current pain is not the end of your story. Your glory will soon appear. God’s Word declares:
“Your latter end shall be greatly increased.” – Job 8:7
“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” – Psalm 30:5
“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth…” – Isaiah 43:19
You will laugh last
– Just like Sarah laughed after her long delay (Genesis 21:6), so will you.
You will testify
– Just like Job, your story will end in glory.
CONCLUSION
Don’t be discouraged by what you’re facing today. God is not done with you yet.
“The pain of today cannot be compared with the gain of tomorrow.”
“The story of today will soon become a testimony of glory.”
Hold on! Your sweet end is near
“Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” – Philippians 1:6
PRAYER
Father, thank You because my end shall be sweeter than my beginning.
Strengthen me to endure trials and hold on in faith.
Let my life glorify You in the end like Job’s.
I decree: My end shall be glorious, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
SHALOM
