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  HEDGED IN
  by Charles E. Cowman
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Summary: God's trials are meant to test our faith and lead to power of
endurance, and ultimately bring us closer to Him.

Topics: "Suffering And Trials", "Gods Sovereignty"
Scripture References: Job 1:10

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DESCRIPTION
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Charles E. Cowman preaches about the purpose of trials and hardships in
the lives of believers, emphasizing that God hedges in His own to
preserve them, even though they may not always understand His ways.
Through every trial, there are opportunities for God's light to shine
through, and every pain and difficulty are known to Him who sympathizes
deeply with His children. The sorrows and challenges we face are
actually mercies sent to protect us from greater harm and to deepen our
trust in God, leading to a season of peace and growth.

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CONTENT
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"Reckon it nothing but joy...whenever you find yourself hedged in by the
various trials, be assured that the testing of your faith leads to power
of endurance" (James 1:2-3) Weymouth

God hedges in His own that He may preserve them, but oftentimes they
only see the wrong side of the hedge, and so misunderstand His dealings.
It was so with Job (Job 3:23). Ah, but Satan knew the value of that
hedge! See his testimony in chapter 1:10. Through the leaves of every
trial there are chinks of light to shine through. Thorns do not prick
you unless you lean against them, and not one touches without His
knowledge. The words that hurt you, the letter which gave you pain, the
cruel wound of your dearest friend, shortness of money--are all known to
Him, who sympathizes as none else can and watches to see, if, through
all, you will dare to trust Him wholly.

"The hawthorn hedge that keeps us from intruding,

Looks very fierce and bare

When stripped by winter, every branch protruding

Its thorns that would wound and tear.

"But spring-time comes; and like the rod that budded,

Each twig breaks out in green;

And cushions soft of tender leaves are studded,

Where spines alone were seen,

"The sorrows, that to us seem so perplexing,

Are mercies kindly sent

To guard our wayward souls from sadder vexing,

And greater ills prevent.

"To save us from the pit, no screen of roses

Would serve for our defense,

The hindrance that completely interposes

Stings back like thorny fence.

"At first when smarting from the shock, complaining

Of wounds that freely bleed,

God's hedges of severity us paining,

May seem severe indeed.

"But afterwards, God's blessed spring-time cometh,

And bitter murmurs cease;

The sharp severity that pierced us bloometh,

And yields the fruits of peace.

"Then let us sing, our guarded way thus wending

Life's hidden snares among,

Of mercy and of judgment sweetly blending;

Earth's sad, but lovely song."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/charles-e-cowman/hedged-in/
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