Alone
The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking alone with God to find comfort, guidance, and hope amidst life's challenges.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the journey of walking with God alone, emphasizing the moments of solitude and trust in Him, even when faced with narrow and winding paths. Through surrendering all to God and finding everything in Him, the speaker experiences the tender guidance and love of Jesus, leading to a deepening relationship and illumination along the rugged way. The sermon reflects on the eventual reunion with loved ones in heaven, where the memory of leaning on Jesus alone in difficult times will be cherished above all.
Text
"Alone" (Deut. 32:12).
"The hill was steep, but cheered along the way
By converse sweet, I mounted on the thought
That so it might be till the height was reached;
But suddenly a narrow winding path
Appeared, and then the Master said, 'My child,
Here thou wilt safest walk with Me alone.'
"I trembled, yet my heart's deep trust replied,
'So be it, Lord.' He took my feeble hand
In His, accepting thus my will to yield Him
All, and to find all in Him.
One long, dark moment,
And no friend I saw, save Jesus only.
"But oh! so tenderly He led me on
And up, and spoke to me such words of cheer,
Such secret whisperings of His wondrous love,
That soon I told Him all my grief and fear,
And leaned on His strong arm confidingly.
"And then I found my footsteps quickened,
And light ineffable, the rugged way
Illumined, such light as only can be seen
In close companionship with God.
"A little while, and we shall meet again
The loved and lost; but in the rapturous joy
Of greetings, such as here we cannot know,
And happy song, and heavenly embraces,
And tender recollections rushing back
Of pilgrim life, methinks one memory
More dear and sacred than the rest, shall rise,
"And we who gather in the golden streets,
Shall oft be stirred to speak with grateful love
Of that dark day when Jesus bade us climb
Some narrow steep, leaning on Him alone."
"There is no high hill but beside some deep valley.
There is no birth without a pang."
--Dan Crawford
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to the theme of solitude with God - Understanding the necessity of walking alone with Christ - The challenges faced on the narrow path
- II points: - The comfort found in Jesus during lonely times - Trusting in God's guidance - The transformation through companionship with God
- III points: - The promise of reunion with loved ones - The joy of eternal life with Christ - Reflecting on the significance of our struggles
- IV points: - The duality of life's challenges and blessings - Embracing the journey of faith - The importance of gratitude in our walk
Key Quotes
“Here thou wilt safest walk with Me alone.” — Charles E. Cowman
“He took my feeble hand in His, accepting thus my will to yield Him all.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Such light as only can be seen in close companionship with God.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Seek moments of solitude to deepen your relationship with God.
- Trust in God's guidance during challenging times and lean on Him for strength.
- Reflect on past struggles with gratitude, recognizing them as part of your spiritual growth.