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  ROCK FLOWERS
  by Charles E. Cowman
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Summary: God uses hard things in life to make us stronger and to build
our character, and it is in these trials that we discover our true
potential as heroes and soldiers for Him.

Topics: "Trials And Tribulations", "Faith And Resilience"
Scripture References: James 1:2

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Charles E. Cowman preaches about the significance of facing hard things
in life, drawing inspiration from Psalm 60:3. He emphasizes that
challenges are meant to shape and strengthen individuals, comparing them
to God's 'rock flowers' that bloom in difficult places. Cowman
highlights that while trials may break outward circumstances, they have
the potential to build inner character and resilience, urging believers
to trust God's purpose even in the midst of hardship.

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CONTENT
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"Thou hast shewed thy people hard things" (Ps. 60:3).

I have always been glad that the Psalmist said to God that some things
were hard. There is no mistake about it; there are hard things in life.
Some beautiful pink flowers were given me this summer, and as I took
them I said, "What are they?" And the answer came, "They are rock
flowers; they grow and bloom only on rocks where you can see no soil."
Then I thought of God's flowers growing in hard places; and I feel,
somehow, that He may have a peculiar tenderness for His "rock flowers"
that He may not have for His lilies and roses. --Margaret Bottome

The tests of life are to make, not break us. Trouble may demolish a
man's business but build up his character. The blow at the outward man
may be the greatest blessing to the inner man. If God, then, puts or
permits anything hard in our lives, be sure that the real peril, the
real trouble, is what we shall lose if we flinch or rebel. --Maltbie D.
Babcock

"Heroes are forged on anvils hot with pain,

And splendid courage comes but with the test.

Some natures ripen and some natures bloom

Only on blood-wet soil, some souls prove great

Only in moments dark with death or doom."

"God gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/charles-e-cowman/rock-flowers/
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