By Faith Take Up Your Cross

sermonindex Mar 13, 2007

~~[b]~~By Faith Take Up Your Cross[/b]

I asked the Lord to strengthen me – immediately I felt pain
The sunshine of His presence was lost in pouring rain
My friends all seemed to shun me, as no one lent a hand
I suddenly felt all alone - none seemed to understand

Then some one reached out to me - my hope somewhat revived
Until they pointed out my sin and all within me cried
I couldn’t even answer – their judgment was severe
I tried to ask forgiveness but they didn’t want to hear

Numb with pain and sorrow – I sought comfort anew
But not a single friend could see what I was going through
In fact a few could clearly see that I was quite distressed
My lack of joy and peace was what several now addressed

Confused, hurt and abandoned, my heart was growing hard
A storm of thoughts was weakening my resolve to serve the Lord
Perhaps I never really had the faith to pass the test
How could things turn out this way when giving Him my best

Caught in my dilemma I hid my face and cried
Not noticing at first the one who now stood by my side
His voice arrested every thought to His gentle command
I’ve come my child to comfort you so you will understand

Why do you doubt – Why don’t you see – Why is My way not plain?
You asked that I would strengthen you – My yes was all your pain
My Father’s way has always been to bruise and crush His sons
The fellowship of suffering makes us His holy ones

If you would now be perfect and joy to me would bring
Then count it all pure joy when I send you my suffering
Deny your need for ease and rest, count what’s gain as lost
Embrace the way of suffering – by faith take up your cross

E

enid Mar 14, 2007

Quote: Embrace the way of suffering-by faith take up your cross.

Suffering is not something we want, at least, I don't.

However, if we suppose that we are going to be made into the image of Christ without being chiseled to His form, then think again.

We will be hated for Christ's sake, which is why we will suffer.

It is all in God's plan.

Wish we could just glide into heaven without any hassle, but that is not going to happen.

God knows best.

God bless.

G

Goldminer Mar 14, 2007

Dear Greg,

I'm not much for poetry, but I loved this. Did you write it?

M

myfirstLove Mar 14, 2007

Greg, who wrote this?

You asked that I would strengthen you – My yes was all your pain
My Father’s way has always been to bruise and crush His sons
The fellowship of suffering makes us His holy ones

D

death2self Mar 15, 2007

It reminded one of my favorite chapters in all of the scriptures (Isaiah). Here's a few verses (19-22) that go along with the poem...

19 O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. How gracious he will be when you cry for help! As soon as he hears, he will answer you. ~~[b][u]~~20 Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. [/u][/b]whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." 22 Then you will defile your idols overlaid with silver and your images covered with gold; you will throw them away like a menstrual cloth and say to them, "Away with you!"