In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal anecdote about a man named Brother Harry who initially struggled with his preaching. However, after surrendering to God, his life turned around. The preacher emphasizes that God afflicts us out of love and for our own good. He references Psalm 107 to illustrate how those who cry out to the Lord in their troubles are saved and delivered. The sermon concludes with the message that we should praise the Lord for His goodness and wonderful works, even in times of difficulty and uncertainty.

David Wilkerson emphasizes that our afflictions are a testament to God's love and delight in us, as seen in Psalm 18. He encourages believers to view their trials as opportunities for growth and to remember that God has delivered them in the past, assuring them that their current struggles will eventually pass. Wilkerson reflects on his own experiences, noting that he learned more through afflictions than in times of prosperity, and urges listeners to respond to their challenges with faith rather than doubt. He reassures that God has a plan for each believer, preparing them for spiritual warfare and to be examples of faith.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes the profound sympathy of Christ for believers, illustrating that their afflictions are part of God's sovereign plan to refine and discipline them. He explains that believers are often chosen in the furnace of affliction, which serves to deepen their faith and reliance on God. Winslow encourages believers to view their trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and to recognize that Christ, having shared in human suffering, intimately understands their pain. He reassures that through these experiences, believers can find comfort in the unwavering love and sympathy of Jesus, who bears their burdens alongside them. Ultimately, Winslow calls for a response of trust and submission to God's will in the midst of trials.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the transformative power of affliction in the life of a believer, asserting that trials serve to purify the soul, reveal sin, and deepen one's relationship with God. He draws parallels between afflictions and various processes that refine and heal, suggesting that through suffering, believers can gain clearer insights into themselves and their need for God. Brooks encourages the faithful to view their afflictions as divine love-tokens, meant to cultivate humility and spiritual growth, ultimately leading to a more fruitful and holy life.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding that there is a divine purpose in all the challenges and trials we face. He refers to biblical figures like Moses and Joshua who went through dark seasons of the soul, questioning God's purposes and feeling defeated. However, in the end, they realized that God was working something deeper within them and that He is the God of the miraculous. The speaker encourages the audience to trust in God's plan, to not lose faith, and to be willing to go to impossible places and become what only God can make them.

John Bunyan emphasizes that true strength and holiness in Christians often emerge during times of affliction, as seen in the lives of Noah, Lot, and David. He reflects on how adversity can lead to spiritual growth and deeper service to God, while prosperity may lead to idleness. Bunyan encourages believers to embrace their trials with patience, recognizing that these experiences are essential for their spiritual development. He concludes by urging the faithful to accept God's word and the challenges presented by others with a humble and patient heart.

In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the idea that there is no arbitrariness in God. He emphasizes that this truth is not an anti-climax, but rather a pinnacle of faith. The preacher references verses from the book of Lamentations, where Jeremiah laments the Lord's indignation against Zion and the captivity of Jacob. Despite the afflictions and challenges faced by God's people, the preacher encourages believers to have hope and wait patiently for the salvation of the Lord. The sermon emphasizes the relevance of these teachings to believers today and highlights the importance of studying scripture for guidance and instruction.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of maintaining a silent and humble spirit during afflictions, drawing from Psalm 39:9, where David acknowledges God's sovereignty in his suffering. He encourages Christians to recognize God's hand in their trials and to respond with a calm and quiet heart, rather than with complaints or despair. Brooks outlines various forms of silence, distinguishing between unholy and holy silence, and stresses that true silence involves a deep understanding of God's justice and mercy. He reassures believers that afflictions serve a purpose in their spiritual growth and that God’s love remains constant even in hardship. Ultimately, Brooks calls for a patient waiting on the Lord, trusting in His goodness and timing.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that the righteous are destined to face numerous afflictions, as illustrated in Job 5:7 and Psalms 34:19. He explains that troubles often come in waves, much like April showers, and that these challenges are part of God's wise and good plan. Despite the frequency and intensity of these trials, Brooks reassures Christians that each affliction is a sign of God's mercy, as not every hardship leads to condemnation. He encourages believers to recognize the purpose behind their struggles and to find hope in God's goodness amidst their trials.

Andrew Bonar emphasizes that present afflictions can strip us of earthly comforts, leading us to recognize the greater value of Christ over His gifts. He reflects on how such afflictions, while momentary, can produce an eternal weight of glory, transforming our perspective on suffering. Bonar encourages believers to view their trials as blessings that draw them closer to Christ, who is ultimately better than all earthly comforts. He cites Paul’s view of affliction as light and momentary, urging us to adopt a similar mindset as we live within the veil of eternity.

In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Pharaoh's dream in Genesis 41. Pharaoh had a dream about seven fat cows being eaten by seven thin cows, and then seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. The preacher emphasizes that God knows the appointed time to give dreams and that there is an exactness to the consequences of our actions. He also highlights the importance of being kind and good to others, as God is merciful to the merciful. The preacher concludes by urging listeners to learn from the ants and be wise with their resources, saving during times of abundance to prepare for times of need.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that affliction from God has a limit and serves a purpose, reminding us that our suffering will eventually end, especially when our earthly life concludes. He encourages believers to patiently endure their trials, trusting that God will remove affliction once its purpose is fulfilled, whether it be for correction or testing. Spurgeon reassures that after tribulation, joy and peace will follow, urging us to maintain hope and anticipate the blessings that lie ahead. He highlights the transformative power of God, who can swiftly change our circumstances from sorrow to joy. Ultimately, he calls for a spirit of praise and optimism, affirming that it is indeed better farther on.

A.W. Pink emphasizes the contrast between our present afflictions and the eternal glory that awaits believers, as expressed in 2 Corinthians 4:17. He encourages Christians not to be overwhelmed by trials, reminding them that these light and momentary troubles serve a greater purpose in shaping their character and faith. Pink explains that while afflictions are a common part of life, they are light in comparison to the weight of glory that God has prepared for us. He urges believers to view their suffering through the lens of eternity, recognizing that the hardships of this life are temporary and ultimately lead to a greater appreciation of divine glory. The sermon calls for faith to help us endure present trials while anticipating the joy of eternal life with God.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the transformative power of afflictions in his sermon 'Healing Afflictions,' asserting that such challenges can lead us closer to God's Word and deepen our faith. He reflects on his own experiences of pain, recognizing that afflictions can serve as a reminder of our dependence on God and can ultimately be a source of healing. Wilkerson argues that pain should not be viewed as purely negative, as it has historically produced great men of faith. He encourages believers to cast their cares upon God, acknowledging that every blessing comes with its own set of challenges. The sermon highlights the importance of embracing both afflictions and blessings as integral parts of spiritual growth.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of not wasting our afflictions, using the example of Zelophehad's daughters who lamented their father's death in unbelief despite witnessing God's miracles. He warns that the trials we face can either harden our hearts or deepen our faith, and our reactions to these afflictions will influence the next generation. Wilkerson urges parents to model trust in God during hardships, as their behavior shapes their children's understanding of faith. He challenges Christians to transform their bitterness into a testimony of God's faithfulness, ensuring that their struggles yield spiritual growth rather than despair. Ultimately, he calls believers to embrace their afflictions as opportunities for growth and to glorify God through their responses.

David Wilkerson explores the transformative power of affliction through the story of Manasseh, the most wicked king of Israel, who turned to God in his time of great distress. Despite his heinous actions, including idol worship and child sacrifice, Manasseh humbled himself and prayed while in captivity, leading to God's mercy and restoration. This sermon emphasizes that God can use afflictions not only to heal the righteous but also to bring sinners back to Him. Wilkerson encourages believers to remain hopeful and persistent in prayer for those who seem lost, as God's grace can reach even the most hardened hearts.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that the rod of affliction serves as a powerful teacher, urging believers to detach their affections from worldly comforts and to recognize their ultimate emptiness and vanity. He explains that true contentment and fulfillment can only be found in a living relationship with Jesus, as worldly pleasures and honors are fleeting and unreliable. The sermon calls for a deep spiritual mortification of desires that distract from a focus on Christ.

C.H. Spurgeon encourages believers to find comfort in the assurance that God has chosen them even in the midst of affliction. He emphasizes that this divine selection acts as a protective armor against the trials of life, such as poverty and sickness. Spurgeon reassures that Jesus is always present with the believer, providing solace and companionship during their struggles. He reminds Christians that they are never alone, as the Lord of life visits them in their desolation, offering peace and strength. Ultimately, believers are called to trust in Christ's promise, knowing that He will never abandon those He has chosen.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that true blessing comes from God's chastening accompanied by divine teaching. He explains that afflictions, when used by God, can lead to a deeper loathing of sin, a greater desire to walk with God, and a longing for Christ. Brooks reassures that if God teaches us through our trials to become more humble, charitable, and spiritual, then those afflictions are acts of love. Ultimately, he concludes that God's love is evident in His willingness to teach us valuable lessons through our hardships, which benefit us for eternity.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of recognizing God's hand in our afflictions, urging believers to heed the rod of discipline that God appoints. He explains that the rod serves as a reminder of the gravity of sin, the fleeting nature of worldly comforts, and the glory of heaven and the preciousness of Christ. Brooks encourages the congregation to believe the report that the rod makes, which reveals the true nature of sin and the vanity of earthly pursuits. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of God's purposes in our trials and a greater appreciation for the eternal truths of faith.

David Wilkerson addresses the question of whether God afflicts His children, emphasizing that while God allows trials and afflictions to refine and prepare His beloved for a place of abundant fruitfulness, He does not take pleasure in their suffering. The psalmist reflects on the hardships endured, illustrating that these challenges serve a divine purpose, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. Wilkerson reassures that not all afflictions stem from God, as many arise from the enemy, and God’s intention is never to harm but to ultimately bless His children. He shares personal experiences of enduring multiple afflictions, affirming that God has always brought him through, reinforcing the truth of His Word.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that afflictions are a divine tool used by God to instruct His people, revealing the bitterness of sin and the sweetness of holiness. He explains that through troubles and trials, believers are taught to detach from worldly desires and prepare for eternity, recognizing the emptiness of created things compared to the richness of communion with God. Brooks highlights that even God's dearest children face significant afflictions, which serve to purify and strengthen their faith, ultimately conforming them to Christ's image.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that all afflictions and trials serve a divine purpose, working for the good of those who love God. He illustrates how, like a bee extracting honey from bitter herbs, believers can derive sweet lessons, obedience, and experiences from their hardships. Brooks encourages the faithful to view their struggles as opportunities for growth and deeper faith, noting that afflictions can lead to greater spiritual maturity and closeness to Christ. He uses various analogies to show that suffering often leads to the brightest displays of grace and strength in believers. Ultimately, he reassures that God's intention behind every trial is to refine and uplift His children.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that Jesus loves Lazarus, Mary, and Martha, yet they faced affliction, illustrating that love does not exempt us from suffering. He explains that sickness can be a part of God's plan for growth and discipline, and that believers should not be surprised by trials, as they often lead to spiritual maturity and benefit others. Spurgeon encourages constant communication with Jesus in times of trouble, reminding us that He cares for our physical and emotional pain. He concludes by urging listeners to reflect on their relationship with Jesus, emphasizing that true love for Him brings comfort even in sickness.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that afflictions, when sanctified, serve to deepen our love, fear, and commitment to the Lord. He asserts that such trials are not merely burdens but are the wounds of a friend, intended to strengthen our faith, patience, and hope. By viewing our struggles through this lens, we can recognize them as acts of divine love that ultimately draw us closer to God.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of viewing afflictions as instruments of love from our Heavenly Father. He encourages Christians to recognize that, like Jesus, we should accept our trials with gratitude, understanding that they are meant for our growth and discipline. By seeing the rod of affliction in the context of God's love, we can embrace our hardships rather than complain about them. This perspective transforms our pain into a source of sweetness and kindness from God.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that our afflictions may be greater than others due to our own sins and the hardness of our hearts. He argues that if we have received more light, love, and mercy, we have more reason to be silent rather than to murmur against God. Brooks explains that God, as a wise physician, administers stronger remedies for those whose hearts are more stubborn or impure, and thus, we should not complain about our trials. He reminds us that afflictions serve a purpose in breaking and humbling us, ultimately leading to our spiritual growth. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God's discipline is a sign of His love for us.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that affliction serves as a divine tool to purify and strengthen believers, drawing them closer to God. He reflects on Psalm 119:67, illustrating how trials can lead to spiritual growth and deeper communion with God. Brooks notes that while initial reactions to affliction may include murmuring and struggle, understanding its purpose can lead to acceptance and gratitude, as expressed in Psalm 119:71. Ultimately, afflictions are portrayed as necessary for enhancing one's relationship with God and manifesting His love and grace.