Placed for a Purpose
God has placed each of us in our unique position for a specific purpose, and we must work faithfully and trust in His sovereignty to achieve victory and triumph in our daily lives.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the importance of embracing one's hidden and secluded place in God's ranks, drawing parallels to the unseen work of polyps in building coral reefs. He emphasizes the significance of being willing to serve as 'spiritual polyps,' working in obscurity but sustained by the Holy Spirit, for God's greater purpose. Cowman encourages believers to trust that Jesus will reward their faithful service, even if it goes unnoticed by others, and to remain steadfast in their assigned roles, knowing that God's way is always best.
Text
"It was noised that he was in the house" (Mark 2:1).
The polyps which construct the coral reefs, work away under water, never dreaming that they are building the foundation of a new island on which, by-and-by, plants and animals will live and children of God be born and fitted for eternal glory as joint-heirs of Christ.
If your place in God's ranks is a hidden and secluded one, beloved, do not murmur, do not complain, do not seek to get out of God's will, if He has placed you there; for without the polyps, the coral reefs would never be built, and God needs some who are willing to be spiritual polyps., and work away out of sight of men, but sustained by the Holy Ghost and in full view of Heaven.
The day will come when Jesus will give the rewards, and He makes no mistakes, although some people may wonder how you came to merit such a reward, as they had never heard of you before. --Selected
Just where you stand in the conflict,
There is your place.
Just where you think you are useless,
Hide not your face.
God placed you there for a purpose,
Whate'er it be;
Think He has chosen you for it;
Work loyally.
Gird on your armor! Be faithful
At toil or rest!
Whate'er it be, never doubting
God's way is best.
Out in the fight or on picket,
Stand firm and true;
This is the work which your Master
Gives you to do.
--Selected
Safely we may leave the crowded meeting, the inspiring mountain top, the helpful fellowship of "just men," and betake ourselves to our dim homely Emmaus, or to our dread public Colossae, or even to our far Macedonia in the mission field, quietly confident that just where He has placed us, in the usual round of life, He ordains that the borderland may be possessed, the victory won. --Northcote Deck
Sermon Outline
- God's Purpose for Our Lives
- Faithfulness in our assigned tasks
- Victory and triumph in our daily lives
- Recognizing our place in God's will
- The importance of humility and obedience
- Loyalty and dedication to our Master's work
- Trust in God's sovereignty and plan
- Possessing the borderland and winning the victory
- Quiet confidence in God's presence and guidance
Key Quotes
“Just where you stand in the conflict, There is your place.” — Charles E. Cowman
“God placed you there for a purpose, Whate'er it be;” — Charles E. Cowman
“Safely we may leave the crowded meeting, the inspiring mountain top, the helpful fellowship of 'just men,' and betake ourselves to our dim homely Emmaus, or to our dread public Colossae, or even to our far Macedonia in the mission field, quietly confident that just where He has placed us, in the usual round of life, He ordains that the borderland may be possessed, the victory won.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Recognize and accept your place in God's will, even if it seems hidden or secluded.
- Work faithfully and trust in God's sovereignty, even when you feel useless or uncertain.
- Gird on your armor and be faithful at toil or rest, knowing that God has chosen you for your place and work.