The Blessing of the Lion
The sermon emphasizes recognizing life's challenges as divine opportunities for faith and growth, as exemplified by David's encounter with the lion.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the story of David facing a lion as a source of inspiration and strength, highlighting how David's faith in God helped him conquer the lion, the bear, and eventually Goliath. The lion that came to attack the flock was seen by David as a wondrous opportunity from God, shaping his destiny to become the chosen king of Israel. Cowman emphasizes that every difficulty, temptation, or challenge we face can be seen as God's opportunity in disguise, urging believers to recognize God's hand even in rough exteriors.
Text
"And there came a lion" (1 Sam. 17:34).
It is a source of inspiration and strength to come in touch with the youthful David, trusting God. Through faith in God he conquered a lion and a bear, and afterwards overthrew the mighty Goliath. When that lion came to despoil that flock, it came as a wondrous opportunity to David. If he had failed or faltered he would have missed God's opportunity for him and probably would never have come to be God's chosen king of Israel. "And there came a lion."
One would not think that a lion was a special blessing from God; one would think that only an occasion of alarm. The lion was God's opportunity in disguise. Every difficulty that presents itself to us, if we receive it in the right way, is God's opportunity. Every temptation that comes is God's opportunity.
When the "lion" comes, recognize it as God's opportunity no matter how rough the exterior. The very tabernacle of God was covered with badgers' skins and goats' hair; one would not think there would be any glory there. The Shekinah of God was manifest under that kind of covering. May God open our eyes to see Him, whether in temptations, trials, dangers, or misfortunes.
--C. H. P.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Introduction to David's faith - The significance of the lion encounter - God's opportunities in disguise
- II points: - Recognizing challenges as blessings - The nature of God's opportunities - The example of the tabernacle's coverings
- III points: - The role of trials in spiritual growth - Seeing God's presence in difficulties - The importance of faith in adversity
- IV points: - David's journey to kingship - Overcoming fear with faith - The power of trusting God
Key Quotes
“When that lion came to despoil that flock, it came as a wondrous opportunity to David.” — Charles E. Cowman
“The lion was God's opportunity in disguise.” — Charles E. Cowman
“May God open our eyes to see Him, whether in temptations, trials, dangers, or misfortunes.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- View your challenges as opportunities for spiritual growth.
- Trust in God's presence during difficult times.
- Recognize that every trial can lead to greater faith and understanding.