God's Will
Living in the center of God's will means trusting and obeying Him, even in difficult situations, and seeing the good that comes out of them.
Charles E. Cowman preaches about the sovereignty of God's will, emphasizing that nothing can happen in the life of a believer without God's permission. This truth should lead to a life filled with continuous gratitude and joy, knowing that God's will is always working for our good if we are surrendered and have faith. Even in the midst of afflictions and unjust situations, understanding that everything ultimately comes from God's will can bring peace and assurance that all things work together for the good of those who love Him.
Text
"Thou couldst have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above" (John 19:11).
Nothing that is not God's will can come into the life of one who trusts and obeys God. This fact is enough to make our life one of ceaseless thanksgiving and joy. For "God's will is the one hopeful, glad, and glorious thing in the world"; and it is working in the omnipotence for us all the time, with nothing to prevent it if we are surrendered and believing.
One who was passing through deep waters of affliction wrote to a friend: "Is it not a glorious thing to know that, no difference how unjust a thing may be, or how absolutely it may seem to be from Satan, by the time it reaches us it is God's will for us, and will work for good to us? For all things work together for good to us who love God. And even of the betrayal, Christ said, "The cup which my Father gave me, shall I not drink it?" We live charmed lives if we are living in the center of God's will. All the attacks that Satan, through others' sin, can hurl against us are not only powerless to harm us, but are turned into blessings on the way.--H. W. S.
In the center of the circle
Of the Will of God I stand:
There can come no second causes,
All must come from His dear hand.
All is well! for 'tis my Father
Who my life hath planned.
Shall I pass through waves of sorrow?
Then I know it will be best;
Though I cannot tell the reason,
I can trust, and so am blest.
God is Love, and God is faithful,
So in perfect Peace I rest.
With the shade and with the sunshine,
With the joy and with the pain,
Lord, I trust Thee! both are needed,
Each Thy wayward child to train,
Earthly loss, did we but know it,
Often means our heavenly gain.
--I. G. W.
Sermon Outline
- God's Will is the Hopeful Thing
- God's Will is Working in Our Lives
- Living in the Center of God's Will
- We live charmed lives
- All attacks from Satan are powerless and turned into blessings
Key Quotes
“God's will is the one hopeful, glad, and glorious thing in the world.” — Charles E. Cowman
“We live charmed lives if we are living in the center of God's will.” — Charles E. Cowman
“All things work together for good to us who love God.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We can trust and obey God, even when we don't understand His plan.
- Living in the center of God's will means seeing the good that comes out of difficult situations.
- God's will is always good and works for our benefit.