Series Details
Wouldn’t it be great if our days came with a “Do Over” button?
Ever had one of those days when nothing, absolutely nothing, goes according to plan? Well, Chuck Swindoll has had his share of days he’d like to do over. But since life doesn’t come with a “Do Over” button, Chuck shares how we can make the best of our days—even if it always seems that it’s one thing or another.
In this practical and encouraging series, Pastor Chuck Swindoll addresses the reality that life doesn’t come with a “do-over” button. We all face seasons of intense pressure, whether it’s financial debt, family crises, or internal emotional battles. By looking at how Jesus and various biblical figures handled life’s “tough stuff,” Chuck provides a roadmap for finding hope, freedom, and strength to move beyond the crossroads of crisis toward a life of resilience and grace.
1. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Temptation (Matthew 4:1–11)
- Overview: Even Christ was not immune to intense pressure. This message explores how Jesus used the Word of God as His primary defense against Satan’s lures in the wilderness.
- Key Fact: Temptation often strikes at our points of greatest physical or emotional weakness; our defense is a pre-determined reliance on Scripture.
- Scripture: Matthew 4:4 – “But He answered and said, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.”‘”
2. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Misunderstanding (Mark 3:1–35)
- Overview: Jesus was misunderstood by almost everyone—the religious elite, His own townsfolk, and even His family. This message offers comfort for those who feel isolated or wrongly judged.
- Key Fact: Being misunderstood is often the price of following God’s unique call on your life; Jesus is our model for persevering despite public opinion.
- Scripture: Mark 3:21 – “When His own people heard of this, they went out to take custody of Him; for they were saying, ‘He has lost His senses.'”
3. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Anxiety (Philippians 4:4–7; Luke 10:38–42)
- Overview: Anxiety “strangles” our perspective. Chuck uses the story of Mary and Martha to show how to slow down, simplify, and prioritize our relationship with Christ.
- Key Fact: Anxiety is often a result of being “distracted with much serving” rather than choosing the “one thing” that is truly necessary.
- Scripture: Philippians 4:6–7 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
4. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Shame (John 8:1–11)
- Overview: Shame is one of the most devastating human emotions. This message explores Jesus’ compassionate handling of the woman caught in adultery, demonstrating grace over condemnation.
- Key Fact: While pride precedes a fall, shame often follows it; Jesus offers a new direction of repentance and freedom rather than public censure.
- Scripture: John 8:11 – “Jesus said, ‘I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on sin no more.'”
5. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Doubt (John 20:24–29)
- Overview: A look at “Doubting Thomas.” Chuck explains that faith does not always come easily and that God is patient with our sincere struggles to believe.
- Key Fact: Doubt is not the opposite of faith, but an invitation to a deeper, more personal encounter with the risen Christ.
- Scripture: John 20:27 – “Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach here with your finger… and do not be unbelieving, but believing.'”
6. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Divorce (Matthew 19:3–12)
- Overview: Addresses one of the most painful “tough stuffs” in modern life. Chuck provides a careful biblical analysis of marriage permanence and the grace available in its brokenness.
- Key Fact: While divorce was never God’s ideal, Jesus addressed the reality of its occurrence with both truth and a call to a necessary acceptance.
- Scripture: Matthew 19:6 – “So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let no man separate.”
7. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Pain (Isaiah 53:3)
- Overview: Explores the “Man of Sorrows.” When we are in the crucible of physical or emotional pain, we find a Savior who is intimately acquainted with grief and suffering.
- Key Fact: Jesus’ inconceivable pain on the cross makes Him the perfect High Priest who can empathize with our deepest agonies.
- Scripture: Isaiah 53:3 – “He was despised and forsaken of men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”
8. Getting Through the Tough Stuff of Inadequacy (Matthew 28:16–20; Acts 1:1–8)
- Overview: The Great Commission was given to a handful of “frightened and incompetent” men. This message shows how God uses the inadequate to achieve the impossible.
- Key Fact: Our inadequacy is the “stage” upon which God displays His power through the Holy Spirit.
- Scripture: Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses.”
Common Questions: Getting Through the Tough Stuff
1. Why does Chuck Swindoll say there is no “Do-Over” button? In the series, it is emphasized that we cannot change the past, but we can change our response to it. “Getting through” isn’t about erasing what happened, but about allowing God’s grace to work through the “tough stuff” to build character and resilience.
2. How do I handle being misunderstood by my own family or friends? As discussed in “The Tough Stuff of Misunderstanding,” you must look to Christ. He was called “insane” by His own family, yet He stayed focused on His Father’s will. Acceptance from God is more foundational than approval from people.
3. Is there a difference between “guilt” and “shame”? Yes. Guilt says, “I did something bad” (conviction of an act). Shame says, “I am bad” (a verdict on one’s identity). Jesus’ treatment of the adulterous woman in John 8 shows that He can remove the shame of our past and give us a new identity.
4. What should I do when my faith is failing and I have doubts? According to the study on Thomas in John 20, you shouldn’t hide your doubts. Thomas was honest about his struggle, and Jesus met him in that place. Sincere questioning is often the bridge to a more “unshakable” faith.
5. How can I find peace when I’m overwhelmed by anxiety? The antidote provided in Philippians 4 and the story of Mary and Martha is to simplify. You must move from “many things” to the “one thing”—sitting at the feet of Jesus through prayer and listening to His Word.
The Sermon of All Sermons This video is part of a larger series by Pastor Chuck Swindoll that dives into the heart of biblical teaching, providing the spiritual foundation needed to navigate the challenges discussed in “Getting Through the Tough Stuff.”
