Who Is Leading?
The sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering to God's guidance rather than trying to direct our own paths.
Charles E. Cowman delivers a sermon on the importance of surrendering to God's guidance, emphasizing the human tendency to want to control our own paths instead of allowing God to lead us. Through powerful poetry by George MacDonald, Cowman illustrates the internal struggle between our desires and God's will, highlighting the need to trust in God's wisdom even when His ways seem challenging or different from what we expect.
Text
"O Lord , I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jer. 10:23).
"Lead me in a plain path" (Ps. 27:14).
Many people want to direct God, instead of resigning themselves to be directed by Him; to show Him a way, instead of passively following where He leads. --Madame Guyon
I said: "Let me walk in the field";
God said: 'Nay, walk in the town";
I said: "There are no flowers there";
He said: "No flowers, but a crown."
I said: "But the sky is black,
There is nothing but noise and din";
But He wept as He sent me back,
"There is more," He said, "there is sin
I said: "But the air is thick,
And fogs are veiling the sun";
He answered: "Yet souls are sick,
And souls in the dark undone."
I said: "I shall miss the light,
And friends will miss me, they say";
He answered me, "Choose tonight,
If I am to miss you, or they."
I pleaded for time to be given;
He said: "Is it hard to decide?
It will not seem hard in Heaven
To have, followed the steps of your Guide."
I cast one look at the fields,
Then set my face to the town;
He said: "My child, do you yield?
Will you leave the flowers for the crown?"
Then into His hand went mine,
And into my heart came He;
And I walk in a light Divine,
The path I had feared to see.
--George MacDonald
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the need for divine guidance - Recognizing human limitations in directing our own paths - The importance of surrendering to God's will
- II points: - The contrast between our desires and God's plans - Trusting God's vision over our own understanding - The significance of faith in following God's lead
- III points: - The rewards of obedience to God's direction - Finding peace in the journey of faith - The ultimate goal of spiritual fulfillment
- IV points: - Examples of biblical figures who followed God's lead - Lessons learned from their experiences - Encouragement to emulate their faith
- V points: - Practical steps to seek God's guidance - The role of prayer and scripture in decision-making - Community support in following God's path
Key Quotes
“O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps.” — Charles E. Cowman
“Lead me in a plain path.” — Charles E. Cowman
“It will not seem hard in Heaven to have followed the steps of your Guide.” — Charles E. Cowman
Application Points
- Take time each day to pray and seek God's direction in your life.
- Reflect on scripture to understand God's will and how it applies to your decisions.
- Engage with a community of believers for support and encouragement in following God's lead.