Rock Flowers
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.
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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"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."
Sermon Outline
- Hard Things in Life
- Rock Flowers
- The Tests of Life
- Heroes and Soldiers
- Forged in Pain
- Ripened in Affliction
Key Quotes
“Heroes are forged on anvils hot with pain, And splendid courage comes but with the test.” — Charles E. Cowman
“God gets his best soldiers out of the highlands of affliction.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Some natures ripen and some natures bloom Only on blood-wet soil, some souls prove great Only in moments dark with death or doom.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We should not be afraid of hard things in life, but rather see them as opportunities for growth and development.
- We should trust God's sovereignty and know that He is working everything out for our good.
- We should strive to be heroes and soldiers for God, and let our trials and afflictions make us stronger and more courageous.