Merciful Metamorphosis (or This Cross We Bear)

Without complete surrender we grappleat times with the goodness of God's higher thoughts and ways!Oh, may we pray to be like Abraham of old...Romans 4:19-21,"And being not weak in faith, he (Abraham) considered not his own body now dead when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb. He staggered not at the promises of God; through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. This cross we bear of constant care,Of disciple-obedienceOf hurt and hope’s heart-hungry prayerOf conscientious diligenceOf yielding Self’s determined willAnd forsaking the world for ChristTo suffer for His sake untilEvery idol is sacrificed… …of walking as children of lightLiving the way that Jesus did(For we are precious in the sight…of proving what is pleasing toThe One who gave His best for weCursed with the blight of Eden’s rueWho benefit from Calvary Our cross of care pales when comparedTo the cross on Golgotha’s hillThen pray no suffering is sparedUntil love works its miracleAnd He who sees the heart beholdsRefinement’s glory taking placeAs beneath life’s cross God unfoldsAwestruck awareness of His grace © Janet Martin Eph.5:6-11 Let no one deceive you with empty words,for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.Therefore do not be partakers with them.For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.Walk as children of light(for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth),finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness,but rather expose them.