The Summer Will Come
The sermon encourages believers to find hope and renewal in God's grace during life's seasons of sorrow and joy.
Charles E. Cowman emphasizes the importance of waiting on the Lord, comparing it to the cycle of seasons where after every winter, the birds return north and new life emerges. He encourages believers not to lose hope during times of trouble and sorrow, as God is working behind the scenes to bring about a season of joy and renewal. Just as nature goes through cycles of waiting and blooming, our faith is strengthened and tested through waiting on God's promises, leading to a deeper love and trust in Him.
Text
"Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you" (Isa. 30:18).
Where showers fall most, there the grass is greenest. I suppose the fogs and mists of Ireland make it "the Emerald Isle"; and whenever you find great fogs of trouble, and mists of sorrow, you always find emerald green hearts; full of the beautiful verdure of the comfort and love of God. O Christian, do not thou be saying, "Where are the swallows gone? They are gone; they are dead." They are not dead; they have skimmed the purple sea, and gone to a far-off land; but they will be back again by and by. Child of God, say not the flowers are dead; say not the winter has killed them, and they are gone. Ah, no! though winter hath coated them with the ermine of its snow; they will put up their heads again, and will be alive very soon. Say not, child of God, that the sun is quenched, because the cloud hath hidden it. Ah, no; he is behind there, brewing summer for thee; for when he cometh out again, he will have made the clouds fit to drop in April showers, all of them mothers of the sweet May flowers. And oh! above all, when thy God hides His face, say not that He hath forgotten thee. He is but tarrying a little while to make thee love Him better; and when He cometh, thou shalt have joy in the Lord, and shalt rejoice with joy unspeakable. Waiting exercises our grace; waiting tries our faith; therefore, wait on in hope; for though the promise tarry, it can never come too late. --C. H. Spurgeon
"Oh, every year hath its winter,
And every year hath its rain--
But a day is always coming
When the birds go north again.
"When new leaves swell in the forest,
And grass springs green on the plain,
And alders' veins turn crimson--
And the birds go north again.
"Oh, every heart hath its sorrow,
And every heart hath its pain--
But a day is always coming
When the birds go north again.
"'Tis the sweetest thing to remember,
If courage be on the wane,
When the cold, dark days are over--
Why, the birds go north again."
Sermon Outline
-
I
- The promise of God's grace
- Understanding seasons of life
- The inevitability of change
-
II
- The symbolism of winter and summer
- Hope amidst trials
- The return of joy
-
III
- The importance of waiting
- Faith in God's timing
- The beauty of renewal
-
IV
- The role of sorrow in spiritual growth
- Anticipation of God's blessings
- Living in expectation
Key Quotes
“Therefore will the Lord wait, that he may be gracious unto you.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Waiting exercises our grace; waiting tries our faith; therefore, wait on in hope.” — Charles E. Cowman
“'Tis the sweetest thing to remember, If courage be on the wane, When the cold, dark days are over-- Why, the birds go north again.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Embrace the waiting periods in life as opportunities for growth and deeper faith.
- Remember that joy will return after times of sorrow, just as seasons change.
- Cultivate a heart of hope, trusting in God's timing and grace.