All Our Sufferings
Our sufferings, though difficult, are gifts from God meant to prepare us for eternal glory and should be endured patiently and improved wisely for Christ's sake.
Anne Dutton preaches about the eternal weight of glory that far surpasses our momentary afflictions, emphasizing that our sufferings, faith, and joy are gifts from our loving Father to prepare us for the greater glory ahead. She encourages believers to receive all trials gratefully as gifts from God, asking for grace to endure them with meekness and patience, and to use them wisely and faithfully for the glory of Christ, knowing that every trial will ultimately work for our eternal advantage.
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Dear brother,
What are our little crosses, our light, momentary afflictions, to that great crown, that far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, for which, by them, we are being prepared? All our sufferings, as well as our faith and joy, are gifts of our Father's love. It is given us on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe, but also to suffer for His sake. Then let us receive all our grievous things from the hand of God thankfully, and ask for grace to endure them meekly and patiently, and to improve them wisely and faithfully. For not the least evil we thus receive from God, endure from men, and improve to the glory of Christ, but shall be to our perfect and eternal advantage.
Sermon Outline
- Our Sufferings in Perspective
- The Purpose of Our Sufferings
- Responding to Our Sufferings
- Receiving sufferings from God thankfully
- Asking for grace to endure patiently
- Improving sufferings to the glory of Christ
Key Quotes
“What are our little crosses, our light, momentary afflictions, to that great crown, that far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, for which, by them, we are being prepared?” — Anne Dutton
Application Points
- You should receive your sufferings from God thankfully and ask for grace to endure them patiently.
- You should improve your sufferings wisely and faithfully, using them to glorify Christ.
- Your sufferings, no matter how small or great, will ultimately be to your perfect and eternal advantage.