F.B. Meyer emphasizes the hidden yet powerful presence of God in the story of Esther, illustrating how God orchestrated events for the deliverance of His people even when His name was not mentioned. He highlights that God's preparations for salvation were in place long before the threats against Israel arose, showcasing His sovereignty and foresight. Meyer encourages believers to trust in God's goodness and to remain patient in the face of adversity, reminding them that God has already prepared a way of escape from their troubles. The sermon reassures that God's plans are greater than any evil schemes, and He will ultimately protect and deliver His people.

David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of being steadfast and unmovable in our faith, reminding us that the Lord is aware of our struggles and has fought our battles before us. He acknowledges the feelings of despair and failure that can arise from unmet expectations but encourages believers not to judge their own effectiveness, as only God knows the true impact of our labor. Wilkerson highlights that God has greater plans for us than we can imagine, urging us to trust in His promises and to continue working diligently for the Lord. He reassures us that our labor is not in vain and that we should rise above the lies of the enemy, resting in the Holy Spirit's work within us. Ultimately, we are called to remain steadfast in our faith and to keep abounding in good works.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's discipline is always for our good, as illustrated in Hebrews 12:10. He explains that what God wills—whether it be sickness, weakness, poverty, reproach, or even death—is ultimately better for us than the opposite, as God's wisdom and goodness ensure that His plans are perfect. Brooks encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and remain silent before Him, recognizing that His ways are higher than our own.

Theodore Epp discusses the significance of accepting God's 'no' in our lives, as exemplified by David's desire to build a temple. Although God denied David's request, He appreciated David's heart and intentions, leading to a covenant that established David's lineage forever. Epp emphasizes that God's decisions are rooted in His perfect wisdom and that His promises, such as His eternal presence with us, remain steadfast. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's plans, even when they differ from our desires.

Brian Guerin delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Jonah Word,' emphasizing the importance of obedience to God's voice. He draws parallels between Jonah's journey and the struggles many face in following God's direction, highlighting that disobedience can lead to unnecessary hardships. Guerin encourages listeners to embrace their calling and trust in God's plan, referencing Psalm 23 as a promise of peace and guidance for those who obey. He also shares personal experiences and prophetic insights, urging the congregation to be receptive to the Holy Spirit's leading. The message culminates in a call for a shift in mindset towards obedience and faithfulness in their spiritual journeys.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes that God's wisdom orchestrates our afflictions and losses to ultimately benefit us, portraying God as a wise and skillful physician who transforms our hardships into blessings. He illustrates how God can turn poison into healing, diseases into remedies, and crosses into crowns, assuring us that nothing can truly harm us while we are under the care of an infinitely wise God. This perspective encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even in difficult times.

Art Katz emphasizes the necessity of every believer to emulate Abraham's faith, which required a willingness to obey God regardless of personal beliefs or societal norms. He warns that our convictions can sometimes become barriers to understanding God's true nature and purpose, particularly in relation to Israel's future. Katz challenges the audience to reconsider their views on suffering and divine judgment, suggesting that true faith may require a painful surrender of preconceived notions. He draws parallels between Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac and the potential trials facing Israel, urging believers to trust in God's ultimate plan despite their fears. The sermon calls for a deeper knowledge of God that transcends traditional beliefs, encouraging believers to embrace the unknown for the sake of divine revelation.

David Wilkerson emphasizes God's ultimate plan for Israel as a chosen people, illustrating how He guided them through the wilderness to demonstrate His goodness and power. In their isolation, Israel learned to rely entirely on God for their survival, receiving daily miracles such as food from heaven and water from a rock. This experience was meant to showcase the living God to surrounding nations, contrasting their mute idols with a God who speaks, loves, and provides. Wilkerson highlights that God desired complete trust and control over His people to lead them through the impossible, ultimately training them to be a testimony to the world.

David Wilkerson emphasizes that despite the chaos and calamities shaking the world, believers can find peace in the knowledge that God is in control. He reassures the faithful that nothing occurs without God's awareness and governance, as highlighted in the Psalms and Isaiah. Wilkerson encourages Christians to look beyond the turmoil and recognize their value to God, who has a divine plan for history. He reminds us that earthly powers are insignificant to God, who remains sovereign over all nations and events. Ultimately, believers are called to trust in God's overarching authority and to not succumb to fear.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes that our times are securely held in God's hand, providing comfort in both prosperity and adversity. He reflects on the importance of recognizing God's sovereignty over our lives, including our times of soul-distress and even death. Winslow encourages believers to trust in God's plan, live in daily dependence on Him, and not be anxious about the future, as all is under His divine control. He reassures that both the joys and trials we face are part of God's loving providence, guiding us towards spiritual growth and eternal security. Ultimately, he calls for a personal relationship with Christ, urging the unconverted to seek salvation and peace in Him.

Zac Poonen emphasizes that the foundation of Christian faith is rooted in God's unchanging love for humanity, as demonstrated throughout the history of Israel and illustrated through various biblical narratives. Despite Israel's doubts and unfaithfulness, God's everlasting love remains steadfast, akin to a mother's unwavering care for her child. Poonen highlights that every event in our lives is orchestrated by a loving God, aimed at our ultimate good, and encourages believers to trust in this divine love to alleviate anxiety and foster peace. The ministry of Jesus further reveals God's loving nature, correcting misconceptions about His character and showcasing His compassion through parables and personal interactions. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a deep understanding of God's infinite love as the essential soil for growing faith.

A.B. Simpson emphasizes the careful and loving discipline God applies to those He intends to use for His purposes, comparing it to a farmer's meticulous process of separating wheat kernels. He reassures believers that God's oversight is tender and purposeful, ensuring that trials are not overwhelming but rather serve to purify and prepare them. Simpson encourages trust in God's plan and timing, reminding us that He knows our limitations and provides a way to endure temptations. The sermon calls for a perspective shift, urging listeners not to envy others but to appreciate the growth and blessings that come from their own experiences. Ultimately, it is a message of hope and assurance in God's faithful guidance.

Charles Finney emphasizes that all things work together for good to those who love God, as stated in Romans 8:28. He explains that this universal truth is supported by scripture and reason, asserting that God's providence governs all events for the benefit of His children. Finney illustrates how mercies, rebukes, crosses, afflictions, and even mistakes can lead to spiritual growth and holiness. He encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire, and to rejoice in all things, knowing that they ultimately serve a greater purpose.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the folly of fretting against God during times of distress, illustrating how individuals often blame God for their suffering instead of recognizing their own sins that lead to misery. He cites examples from scripture, such as Pharaoh's defiance and Jonah's misplaced anger, to show that a fretful heart can lead to a direct challenge against God. Brooks warns that fretting only brings more suffering and that true wisdom lies in accepting God's will rather than rebelling against it. He encourages believers to refrain from anger towards God and to seek understanding in their trials.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes Elijah's journey from Zarephath to Ahab, highlighting his lack of a fixed plan but a deep reliance on God. Elijah's consuming passion for God's glory, his understanding of his role as a servant, and his eagerness to know and fulfill God's plan are central themes. Meyer illustrates how Elijah's faith and fervent prayer were crucial in preparing for the confrontation on Mount Carmel. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's unfolding plan and to seek His will above their own. Ultimately, it calls for a heart that is surrendered and ready to act according to God's direction.

Mike Bickle emphasizes the beauty of Jesus' leadership, illustrating how God's guidance is often misunderstood by believers who focus on personal gain rather than His divine purpose. He encourages the congregation to recognize that true beauty in leadership is found in being conformed to the image of Christ, which leads to deeper fellowship and eternal rewards. Bickle warns against the low-grade offense many believers harbor towards God when their expectations are unmet, urging them to trust in His overarching plan for their lives. He highlights that God's ultimate goal is to prepare a bride for His Son, emphasizing the importance of aligning our lives with His values and purposes. Ultimately, Bickle calls for a shift in perspective to see the beauty in God's leadership, even amidst life's challenges.

Conrad Mbewe emphasizes the profound truth found in Romans 8:28, that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. He explains that even in suffering and trials, God's hand is at work, shaping our lives and conforming us to the image of Christ. Mbewe encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty, reminding them that their struggles are not in vain but serve a greater purpose in God's divine plan. He illustrates this with biblical examples, such as Joseph's hardships leading to the salvation of many, and ultimately points to the cross as the ultimate demonstration of God's redemptive work. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding of God's providence and the assurance that every aspect of life is under His control.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of reflecting on past troubles and afflictions as a means to find peace during current adversities. He encourages believers to consider how previous hardships have revealed sin, humbled their hearts, and deepened their relationship with God. By remembering the benefits gained from past sufferings, one can cultivate a spirit of silence and trust in God's continued faithfulness and goodness. Brooks urges the faithful to recognize that God uses afflictions to prepare their hearts for greater spiritual enjoyment and to foster compassion towards others. Ultimately, he calls for a quiet trust in God's ability to work good through present trials, just as He has in the past.

David Wilkerson emphasizes God's unique and unexpected plans for survival as demonstrated in the life of Elijah. Despite the hopelessness of a drought-stricken land, God directed Elijah to a hidden brook for water and provided food through ravens, showcasing His ability to provide in miraculous ways. When the brook dried up, God instructed Elijah to go to a widow in Zarephath, illustrating that God often uses the seemingly insignificant to fulfill His purposes. Wilkerson encourages believers to trust in God's detailed plans, even when circumstances appear dire, reminding us that He is our adviser and survival expert.

Billy Strachan emphasizes that God is in control of our lives, even amidst trials and unforeseen difficulties. He encourages believers to seek wisdom in faith during tough times, reminding them that many challenges are actually God's way of directing their paths for His purpose. Using the story of Joseph, Strachan illustrates how God can turn what seems like misfortune into a blessing, urging listeners to trust in God's plan and timing. He warns against double-mindedness, encouraging a steadfast faith that accepts God's will, even when circumstances appear adverse. Ultimately, Strachan reassures that God uses every situation for our growth and His glory.

Harry Ironside presents Joseph as a profound type of Christ, illustrating the deep love of the Father for the Son and the rejection faced by both figures. He emphasizes Joseph's role as the beloved son, his dreams of glory, and his mission to seek his brethren, paralleling these with Jesus' life and ministry. Ironside highlights Joseph's integrity in temptation and his eventual exaltation, drawing connections to Christ's suffering, rejection, and ultimate glory. The sermon concludes with the reminder of Joseph's legacy and how it foreshadows the eternal life offered through Jesus, who is the source of all spiritual sustenance. Ironside encourages believers to trust in Christ, the true deliverer, who provides for their needs and offers eternal hope.

C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the providence of God in the life of Ruth, who, while gathering grain, unknowingly steps into a divine plan that leads her to Boaz, her future husband. This seemingly accidental encounter illustrates how God orchestrates events for those who trust in Him, turning humble beginnings into extraordinary blessings. Spurgeon reassures believers that nothing good will be withheld from them, and that even the smallest actions can lead to significant outcomes in God's plan. He encourages the congregation to recognize God's hand in their lives and to find comfort in His gracious dealings, just as He did with Ruth.

Shane Idleman emphasizes that while we make plans, it is ultimately God who directs our paths, which can be a source of comfort. He discusses the importance of trusting in God's sovereignty, especially when faced with closed doors or unexpected changes. Drawing from Genesis 27, he illustrates how God's will can sometimes upset others, as seen in the story of Isaac, Esau, and Jacob, and encourages the congregation to seek unity and reconciliation in their relationships. Idleman also highlights the significance of the words we speak, as they can have lasting impacts on ourselves and others, urging listeners to align their lives with God's principles and to trust in His timing.

Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of faith through the story of Job, illustrating how God allows us to see behind the scenes of our trials to strengthen our trust in Him. Job's lack of knowledge about the heavenly councils meant that his faith was tested and purified, demonstrating that understanding is not always necessary for faith to flourish. Epp reminds us that God's eternal purpose is often beyond our comprehension, and that our afflictions serve a greater good, as stated in Romans 8:28. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem baffling, as these experiences ultimately lead to spiritual growth and glory.

D.L. Moody shares a personal story from his childhood about how he learned to approach his mother during punishment, illustrating that drawing near to God during times of chastening can lighten our burdens. He emphasizes that while we may not understand our suffering now, God is working all things together for our good, just as a druggist carefully mixes ingredients to create the right medicine. Moody reassures us that even in sorrow, there is purpose and comfort in God's plan, reminding us that every trial can lead to growth and understanding.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the transformative power of the word 'afterward,' illustrating how our current struggles and afflictions may seem grievous but ultimately yield peace and righteousness. He compares our understanding of life's challenges to a child's learning process, where the beauty of God's providence becomes clear over time. Miller encourages believers to trust in God's plan, recognizing that the painful experiences we endure can lead to profound blessings and insights. He uses metaphors of sculpting and gardening to depict how incompleteness can obscure the beauty of God's work in our lives. Ultimately, he reassures that the trials we face today will be understood in the light of God's love and purpose in the future.

David Wilkerson emphasizes that God knows what is best for us, even when He takes things away or does not grant our requests. He reassures us that true satisfaction comes from being in God's perfect will, and that what we think we need may actually lead to our ruin. Wilkerson encourages believers to trust in God's loving hand, understanding that He has something better in store for us. He cites Job's faith in God's plan as an example of resting in God's control. Ultimately, he reassures that if our hearts are right before God, His promises will never fail us.

Vance Havner addresses the profound question of why God seems silent in the face of suffering and tragedy, drawing parallels to the cries of Job and the psalmists. He reflects on personal experiences of despair and the mystery of life’s inequities, emphasizing that while we may not understand God's ways, we can trust in His ultimate purpose. Havner points to the crucifixion of Christ as the ultimate answer to our suffering, where God Himself experienced abandonment, providing hope and reconciliation for humanity. He encourages believers to hold onto faith amidst unanswered questions, reminding them that God is present and working even when we cannot see it. Ultimately, he reassures that all things will be made right in God's timing.

Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of allowing the peace of God to govern our hearts, explaining that this peace is derived from God and reflects His own tranquility. He outlines the conditions necessary for both God and Christians to experience peace, highlighting the importance of internal harmony, faith, and submission to God's will. Finney encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and providence, asserting that true peace comes from faith in His perfect plan, even amidst life's uncertainties. He calls Christians to recognize their calling to enjoy this divine peace and to actively seek it in their lives. Ultimately, Finney illustrates that the peace of God can rule in our hearts when we align our desires with His will and trust in His goodness.

F.B. Meyer reflects on Naomi's journey from bitterness to blessing, emphasizing that God's plans often unfold in ways we cannot immediately understand. Despite her losses, Naomi's return to her homeland brought her closer to God's provision and the love of Ruth, who became a source of joy and hope. Meyer encourages believers to trust in God's overarching plan, reminding them that even in times of despair, God is working for their good. He draws parallels between Naomi's story and the ultimate redemption found in Christ, who has purchased us with His blood and will not rest until He fulfills His promises. The sermon concludes with a call to shelter under God's wings and trust in His faithful character.

Andrew Bonar reflects on the silence of Christ in response to John the Baptist's imprisonment and eventual death, emphasizing the mystery of God's ways and the importance of trusting in His wisdom and love. He highlights that Christ's lack of mourning for John signifies a deeper understanding of life and resurrection, urging believers to focus on their relationship with God rather than their circumstances. Bonar encourages the faithful to recognize their worth in Christ and to understand that true greatness comes from having Christ in their hearts, regardless of worldly recognition or suffering.

J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of seeking God's blessing at the start and end of each day, recognizing that our strength and plans are renewed through Him. He encourages surrendering our daily plans to God, trusting that His wisdom surpasses our own understanding. Miller also prays for the healing and comfort of neighbors in need, acknowledging the divine care and watchfulness of God over our lives. He reflects on the day's experiences, asking for forgiveness and the preservation of the good we have done, while seeking strength for those who are struggling. Ultimately, he calls for God's guidance and protection as we rest and prepare for the next day.

Zac Poonen emphasizes that past failures do not disqualify individuals from fulfilling God's perfect plan for their lives. He illustrates that just as God created a beautiful world from chaos, He can transform our failures into something glorious. The sermon highlights that God's grace allows for redemption and new beginnings, regardless of how many times one has stumbled. Poonen encourages believers to trust in God's ability to restore and fulfill His plans, reminding them that even failures can be part of God's perfect design. Ultimately, he reassures that with faith, nothing is impossible for God, and every person can experience His grace and purpose.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God possesses complete knowledge and understanding of our lives, rendering our prayers a means of communion rather than a way to inform Him. He reassures us that God's responses to our prayers are based on His infinite wisdom, not on our limited understanding or requests. Meyer encourages believers to trust in God's perfect plan, acknowledging that His ways and thoughts surpass our own. He reminds us that we cannot teach God anything, and thus, we should surrender our desires and trust in His divine guidance.

T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes that God's strategy in the life of Job reveals His initiative in the face of suffering, demonstrating that God knows us better than we know ourselves. He highlights that God's hiddenness does not equate to His absence or disfavor, but rather serves a greater purpose in refining our character and producing eternal spiritual values. The sermon illustrates that God's dealings with Job were not punitive but transformative, leading to a deeper understanding of God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to trust in God's hidden work, knowing that He is actively involved in their lives even when He seems distant.

David Wilkerson emphasizes that it breaks the Lord's heart when we doubt His ability and desire to provide the best for us, as illustrated through the story of Ruth. Ruth's unwavering love and trust in God led her to a divine appointment with Boaz, showcasing God's meticulous care and provision. Wilkerson reminds us that just as God orchestrated Ruth's life for her good, He is equally committed to His bride, the Church, ensuring that all circumstances work for our benefit. He encourages believers to rest in the assurance of God's love and provision, free from worry and doubt. Ultimately, the sermon calls us to embrace our identity as the beloved bride of Christ, who is always attentive to our needs.

Zac Poonen emphasizes that the foundation of our love for God is rooted in His unchanging love for us, as stated in 1 John 4:19. He explains that God's intention for humanity was to live in an atmosphere of love, where obedience stems from love rather than slavery. Throughout the Bible, God's enduring love is evident, as seen in His relationship with Israel and His unwavering compassion despite their doubts. Poonen highlights that every trial we face is a manifestation of God's loving plan for our ultimate good, urging believers to trust in His love to alleviate anxiety. The ministry of Jesus exemplifies God's loving nature, correcting misconceptions about His character and inviting us to experience His grace.

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the importance of accepting God's will in all circumstances, using the analogy of a shepherd who expresses contentment with whatever weather God chooses. The shepherd's perspective reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty, suggesting that true peace comes from aligning our desires with God's plans. Brooks encourages believers to embrace life's uncertainties with faith, knowing that God's choices are ultimately for our good. This attitude of submission and trust can transform our outlook on life's challenges.

F.B. Meyer emphasizes that God's guidance is unwavering and leads us to our destined goals, as illustrated by the Magi who followed the star to worship the newborn Jesus. He reflects on the mystery of divine guidance, suggesting that true science ultimately submits to the greater mystery of life. The sermon highlights the importance of presenting our gifts to Jesus, who is worthy of all riches, and reassures that despite worldly opposition, such as the plots of Herod, God's plans will prevail. Meyer encourages believers to trust in God's perfect timing and provision.

F.B. Meyer reflects on the theme of divine intervention in our lives, using the metaphor of sparrows trapped in a vestry to illustrate how God sometimes disrupts our comfort for our ultimate freedom and growth. Just as the sparrows were unaware that the verger and Meyer were trying to help them escape, we often fail to recognize that God's breaking of our ease is rooted in His love and desire for us to experience true liberty. Meyer draws parallels to Job's suffering, suggesting that God breaks up our complacency to lead us into a deeper relationship with Him and a fuller life. The sermon encourages believers to trust in God's unchanging nature amidst life's changes and challenges.

T. Austin-Sparks explores the wondrous ways of God, contrasting the tumultuous sea with the gentle guidance of a shepherd, illustrating how divine purpose, wisdom, and love govern our lives. He emphasizes that even in distress and confusion, God's overarching plan is at work, as seen in the Israelites' passage through the Red Sea, which birthed a nation amidst terror. The psalmist's recollection of God's past faithfulness serves as reassurance that divine wisdom dictates the path to our ultimate good, even when it seems unclear. Sparks encourages believers to trust in God's loving guidance, recognizing that His ways may be mysterious but are always rooted in love for His people. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of God's heart as both pilot and shepherd in our lives.

Octavius Winslow reflects on the mysterious ways of the Lord, emphasizing that believers often feel bewildered by their circumstances, yet they are not alone in their struggles. He draws parallels with biblical figures like Joseph, Jacob, Job, and Naomi, who faced trials that seemed incomprehensible at the time but were ultimately part of God's perfect plan. Winslow encourages Christians to trust in God's wisdom and love, even when His ways are hidden, reminding them that God's love is always present, even in dark times. He urges believers to be still and recognize God's sovereignty, as their faith is strengthened through these trials.

Octavius Winslow emphasizes God's sovereign guidance in the lives of His people, illustrating that while God's ways may seem mysterious to us, they are perfectly clear to Him. He explains that our inability to see the full picture leads to confusion and doubt, but we are called to trust in God's eternal wisdom and goodness. Winslow encourages believers to humble themselves before God, recognizing that true guidance comes from surrendering our own understanding and relying on the Lord's direction. He reassures the suffering believer to wait patiently for God's glory, as He leads us through paths we do not know. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a posture of humility and trust in God's perfect plan.