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  THE SHARPEST DEALINGS OF GOD WITH YOU
  by Thomas Brooks
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Summary: Recognize that God's dealings, even in the sharpest trials, are
still mercy because you have deserved greater afflictions.

Topics: "God's Mercy", "Suffering and Trials"
Scripture References: 1 Kings 12:14, Psalm 30:5, Psalm 103:10, Lamentations 3:39, Romans 3:23, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Ephesians 2:4-5, Hebrews 12:6, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 5:10

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DESCRIPTION
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Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of recognizing our own sins and
the mercy of God in the face of our trials. He argues that any suffering
we endure is less than what we truly deserve, and that we should remain
silent and humble under God's dealings with us. Brooks encourages
believers to reflect on their demerits, understanding that even the
smallest mercy is a gift from God, and that our afflictions are
reminders of His grace. Ultimately, he calls for a posture of gratitude
and acceptance, recognizing that our hardships are not punishment but
rather opportunities for growth and reflection.

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CONTENT
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"Why should any living man complain when

punished for his sins?" Lamentations 3:39

To move you to silence under your sorest and

your sharpest trials, consider, that you have

deserved greater and heavier afflictions than

those you are under.

Has God taken away one mercy? You have

deserved to be stripped of all.

Has he taken away the delight of your eyes? He

might have taken away the delight of your soul.

Are you under outward wants? You have deserved

to be under outward and inward wants together.

Are you cast upon a sick bed?

You have deserved a bed in hell.

Are you under that ache and that pain? You have

deserved to be under all aches and pains at once.

Has God chastised you with whips? You have

deserved to be chastised with scorpions. 1 Kings 12:14.

Have you fallen from the highest pinnacle of honor

to be the scorn and contempt of men? You have

deserved to be scorned and condemned by God

and angels.

Are you under a severe whipping?

You have deserved an utter damning.

Ah Christian! let but your eyes be fixed upon your

demerits--and your hands will be quickly upon your

mouths! Whatever is less than a final separation from

God, whatever is less than hell--is mercy! Therefore

you have cause to be silent under the sharpest

dealings of God with you.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/the-sharpest-dealings-of-god-with-you/
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