Hold Fast and Trust
The sermon emphasizes the importance of unwavering trust in God amidst life's challenges and uncertainties.
Charles E. Cowman delivers a powerful sermon on unwavering trust in God, drawing inspiration from Job 13:15 and 2 Timothy 1:12. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining faith in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of trials and unanswered prayers. Cowman encourages believers to anchor their faith like a staunch ship in the face of life's storms, trusting in God's faithfulness and everlasting love through every trial and tribulation.
Text
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust him"
(Job 13:15).
"For I know whom I have believed" (2 Tim. 1:12).
"I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I will believe the Hand which never fails,
From seeming evil worketh good for me.
And though I weep because those sails are tattered,
Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered:
'I trust in Thee.'
"I will not doubt, though all my prayers return
Unanswered from the still, white realm above;
I will believe it is an all-wise love
Which has refused these things for which I yearn;
And though at times I cannot keep from grieving,
Yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing
Undimmed shall burn.
"I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like rain,
And troubles swarm like bees about a hive.
I will believe the heights for which I strive
Are only reached by anguish and by pain;
And though I groan and writhe beneath my crosses.
I yet shall see through my severest losses
The greater gain.
"I will not doubt. Well anchored is this faith,
Like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale;
So strong its courage that it will not quail
To breast the mighty unknown sea of death.
Oh, may I cry, though body parts with spirit,
'I do not doubt,' so listening worlds may hear it,
With my last breath."
"In fierce storms," said an old seaman, "we must do one thing; there is only one way: we must put the ship in a certain position and keep her there."
This, Christian, is what you must do. Sometimes, like Paul, you can see neither sun nor stars, and no small tempest lies on you; and then you can do but one thing; there is only one way.
Reason cannot help you; past experiences give you no light. Even prayer fetches no consolation. Only a single course is left. You must put your soul in one position and keep it there.
You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may--winds, waves, cross-seas, thunder, lightning, frowning rocks, roaring breakers--no matter what, you must lash yourself to the helm, and hold fast your confidence in God's faithfulness, His covenant engagement, His everlasting love in Christ Jesus. --Richard Fuller
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding Trust in God - The Importance of Faith Amidst Trials - Biblical Examples of Trust
- II points: - The Role of Prayer in Trust - Recognizing God's Sovereignty - The Assurance of His Love
- III points: - Facing Life's Storms - The Anchor of Faith - The Promise of Greater Gains
- IV points: - Maintaining Position in Faith - Lashing Yourself to God's Promises - The Final Breath of Trust
Key Quotes
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.” — Charles E. Cowman
“I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea come drifting home with broken masts and sails.” — Charles E. Cowman
“You must stay upon the Lord; and come what may.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Commit to daily prayer and reflection on God's word to strengthen your faith.
- In moments of doubt, remind yourself of God's past faithfulness and His promises.
- Stay anchored in your trust in God, regardless of the storms you face.