These Cross-Providences
God's sovereignty and goodness are evident in all things, and we can trust in His plan, even in difficult times.
Anne Dutton preaches about finding peace and rest in God's sovereign control over all circumstances, even when things seem uncertain or distressing. She emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's wisdom and grace, believing that everything is orchestrated for His glory and our ultimate good. Dutton encourages a meek, humble, and patient attitude, reminding listeners that trials, when faced with faith, do not harm us but refine us. She urges against fretting over worldly matters and instead advises to possess our souls in patience, knowing that God's counsel will prevail and He works all things for our benefit in Christ.
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Dear Sir,
I am sometimes apt to be grieved at how things happen; but when I think that God fulfills His sure purposes for His glory and His people's good, by things which to us seem contingencies, and that He who shuts up our way in one place opens it in another--my spirit is at rest.
You will like these cross-providences well, when you see them overruled by infinite wisdom and grace to meet in their designed center--the glory of God, and your greatest advantage. We must believe now; we shall see before long. Meanwhile, O for a meek and humble, a patient, Christ-like spirit!
Trials do us no harm, nor will they much afflict us, if we are enabled to behave well under them. But if we foolishly look off from the 'supreme hand of God' therein, unto 'creatures', and our spirits fret and chafe at instruments--that wounds us instantly, and weakens our hands exceedingly. In patience let us possess our souls, and we shall see that our all-wise and all-gracious Lord has done, does, and will do, all things well. Most surely every man disquiets himself in vain--God's counsel shall stand, and He will do all His pleasure. Would we have things go otherwise than well--any better than best of all? And thus all things always go well for us in Christ--for us who are the delight, the care, and charge of Prince Emanuel--upon those mighty shoulders the whole weight of government is devolved by His and our Father!
Sermon Outline
- God's Sovereignty in Trials
- The Importance of a Christ-like Spirit
- God's Counsel Shall Stand
- God's Sovereignty in Christ
- Christ bears the weight of government
- We are the delight and care of Prince Emanuel
Key Quotes
“God's counsel shall stand, and He will do all His pleasure.” — Anne Dutton
“In patience let us possess our souls, and we shall see that our all-wise and all-gracious Lord has done, does, and will do, all things well.” — Anne Dutton
“Would we have things go otherwise than well--any better than best of all?” — Anne Dutton
Application Points
- We must cultivate a meek and humble, patient, Christ-like spirit to behave well under trials.
- We can trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when things seem uncertain or difficult.
- Looking to God's hand, not to creatures, is essential for navigating trials with faith and patience.