The Eagle That Soars
By trusting in God's presence and provision, we can overcome the worries of the future and live with hope and trust.
Charles E. Cowman preaches on the importance of trusting in God's faithfulness, using the example of a poor but joyful Christian woman named Nancy who refused to dwell on 'supposes' and instead fully trusted in the Lord's provision. He emphasizes the power of Hebrews 13:5-6 in removing uncertainties from a believer's life by encouraging contentment and bold faith in God's promise to never leave nor forsake us. Cowman illustrates the need to focus on present trust in God rather than worrying about future troubles, likening it to the confidence of an eagle soaring above rivers without concern for how to cross them.
Text
"Feed on his faithfulness" (Ps. 37:3, RV).
I once met a poor colored woman, who earned a precarious living by hard daily labor; but who was a joyous triumphant Christian. "Ah, Nancy," said a gloomy Christian lady to her one day, "it is well enough to be happy now; but I should think the thoughts of your future would sober you.
"Only suppose, for instance, you should have a spell of sickness, and be unable to work; or suppose your present employers should move away, and no one else should give you anything to do; or suppose--"
"Stop!" cried Nancy, "I never supposes. De Lord is my Shepherd, and I knows I shall not want. And, Honey," she added, to her gloomy friend, "it's all dem supposes as is makin' you so mis'able. You'd better give dem all up, and just trust de Lord."
There is one text that will take all the "supposes" out of a believer's life, if it be received and acted on in childlike faith; it is Hebrews 13:5, 6: "Be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me." --H. W. S.
"There's a stream of trouble across my path;
It is black and deep and wide.
Bitter the hour the future hath
When I cross its swelling tide.
But I smile and sing and say:
'I will hope and trust alway;
I'll bear the sorrow that comes tomorrow,
But I'll borrow none today.'
"Tomorrow's bridge is a dangerous thing;
I dare not cross it now.
I can see its timbers sway and swing,
And its arches reel and bow.
O heart, you must hope alway;
You must sing and trust and say:
'I'll bear the sorrow that comes tomorrow,
But I'll borrow none today."'
The eagle that soars in the upper air does not worry itself as to how it is to cross rivers. --Selected
Sermon Outline
- I. The Problem of 'Supposes'
- A. The gloomy Christian lady's thoughts on Nancy's future
- B. The impact of 'supposes' on our lives
- 'II. The Solution: Childlike Faith'
- A. Hebrews 13:5, 6
- B. Trusting in God's presence and provision
- III. The Power of Hope and Trust
- A. The example of the eagle soaring in the upper air
- B. Not worrying about the future, but trusting in God's care
Key Quotes
“De Lord is my Shepherd, and I knows I shall not want.” — Charles E. Cowman
“I'll bear the sorrow that comes tomorrow, but I'll borrow none today.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Tomorrow's bridge is a dangerous thing; I dare not cross it now.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- We should not worry about the future, but trust in God's care and provision.
- Childlike faith is key to overcoming worry and fear, and living with hope and trust.
- We should focus on today, and not borrow trouble from tomorrow.