Reflections in The WORD

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Fruit Fidelity

“Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” ~ Matthew 7:16

Our text comes from the latter part of the famous ‘Sermon on the Mount’, which was addressed specifically to Jesus’ disciples, and by extension specifically to the church, those who have believed in Christ Jesus for salvation. As the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ draws to a close, i.e., as Jesus prepares His followers to descend into the world, He wants Believers to be able to identify false prophets (see Matthew 7:15) that would confront the ministry.

Fruit Inspection

False prophets had long infiltrated Hebrew worship, turning the people away from God and into sin (e.g., see 1 Kings 13:11-29). And they would become a problem for the church too, therefore, it was crucial that Believers be adept at identifying them.

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.” ~ 2 Peter 2:1

Fruit: the answer was fruit. False prophets could be determined easily by examining what they produced. Do they produce a harvest that glorified God? Or does their fruit dishonor Christ Jesus?

But there is more.

Grapes & Figs; Thorns & Thistles

At the end of the verse, Jesus asks the question: “Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” To an audience from a farming community, this question might have been seen as rhetorical at best and just plain silly at worst. The answer would be “Of course not!”

But therein lies Jesus’ second message to Believers: It is not hard to distinguish false prophets from true Believers.

There is an innate assumption in the modern church that false prophets are hard to find. Often there is shock and even disillusionment when men/women who seemed to be so sincere, so “anointed”, turn out to be charlatans. However, Jesus makes it clear that Believers never have to be fooled. Because as easy as it is to know that grapes don’t come from thorns and figs don’t come from thistles, so it is easy to see the absence of good fruit from the ministry of false prophets among us.

However, as encouraging as this truth is, it also illuminates a problem.

Harvesting Thistles

If identifying false prophets is as easy as observing that figs are not harvested from thistles, why have so many been deceived by false prophets? Why are so many harvesting thistles?

The answer to this question is probably best captured in Jesus’ words to Peter, James, and John:

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” ~ Matthew 26:41

We fall prey to false prophets because of two reasons:

We fail to be alert (we don’t “watch and pray”).
We yield to our flesh, which is prone to evil suasion.

False prophets come into the church “unawares” (Jude 1:4, Galatians 2:4, 2 Timothy 3:6): they infiltrate the church when we are not looking, when we are not alert, when we fail to watch and pray.

And when false prophets come in they twist Scripture to appeal to our flesh, not to our spirit (Jude 1:4, Galatians 2:4, 2 Timothy 3:6). And sadly, many want to hear messages that appeal to fleshly desires.

Many want to hear that greed is good if you call it blessings. Many want to hear that extra/pre-marital sex is okay because God’s grace covers it. Many want to hear about casting out demons because they can blame demons for every sin in their life. Many want to hear about special knowledge that makes them superior to other Believers who don’t have it.

But all of these are heresies and not supported by Biblical doctrine. And all of these bear thorns and thistles, but no good fruit.

Harvest Good Fruit

On the other hand, Jesus’ question, “Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?”, has a second and quite encouraging implication: Believers know where to find good fruit.

As easy as it is to identify false prophets, we can also identify good prophets. But we must be willing to look at the fruit, not the flowers. Many thorns and thistles produce beautiful flowers but no good fruit. Let us not get distracted by flowery presentations of evil men. Let us examine the fruit of all men and determine which one is godly. It is easy to see because Believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit and the Holy Spirit testifies of Christ:

“But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, He shall testify of me:” ~ John 15:26

God will show us who His servants are by their fruit.

My Personal Walk with God Over The Years – by Lisa Rodney

Published by reflectionsintheword

My Journey over the years has been bittersweet. Nonetheless, I would not have it any other way. My walk with God began 25 years ago in Jamaica. I was baptized at Portmore United Church and quickly became involved in various activities such as the choir, drama group, and youth fellowship.

While I enjoyed being involved in my local church and doing good things, I did not realize that I was living the life of a Moralist and not a person who has a personal relationship with God. All that I did at that time had no eternal value: it was all for my glory and not God. God was not being glorified in my life during that period because I was not even trying to carry out the great commission.

Drifting

After migrating to the United States, I drifted away from God. I strayed so far that it was easy for me to convince myself that as long as I am honest, give freely, love others, and be a good citizen God would still bless me and be my shield. So I would go to Church occasionally, but I was not serious about my walk with God.

I had no prayer life. I would do quick two-minute prayers daily, but I had no connection with God. There was always a void. Eventually, I realized that I was built with a God-shaped vacuum, and I would never succeed until I allowed God to live in there. Because I can’t truly live the life of a Christian on my own, in my own strength. This Flesh would always fail me: It does not want to be under God’s authority because it only wants to me to yield to its own wishes and desires.

I had to make the decision to clear my God-shaped vacuum of everything that does not belong and to be intentional about serving God.

Homecoming

The past 7-8 years have seen a transformation in me. I finally decided to walk with Jesus, no turning back. I decided to trust Him with everything in me and to be obedient to His will. And I discovered that He was always there waiting with outstretched arms waiting for me to come home.

As I grew spiritually I realized that I was created to worship God. Everything else is secondary and can wait. Life was never about me at all, it’s all about God. When I accepted that it’s not about me, I started to experience a true and genuine relationship with God. My life then became a life of prayer and worship.

As I began to agree with God’s precious promises for my life, I developed this zeal and zest to always want to be in His presence. When I had my encounter with God all I wanted to do is to love Him above all human relationships, and to do my best to make my life reflect Him in everything I do.

I have developed a prayer life over the years I started to speak to God with His own words. I tell God that He said that He will never leave me nor forsake me.

“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.” ~ Deuteronomy 31:6

I tell Him that He said He knows the plans He has for me.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11

I just tell God whatever He puts in my thoughts when I pray, and that I am standing on His Word.

Over time, I started to believe that I have in me the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, so I refused to walk around a defeated Christian. Because I know the battle is already won. I tell myself that signs, miracles, and wonders follow Lisa Rodney. God did not give me a new name for riches and wealth but to declare that He is Lord.

When I started to walk in the power and authority that God gave me, I experienced tremendous blessing and miracles in my situation regarding the things that I had prayed for. Recently, I was facing what seems like an impossible issue, and there is no way around it except a miracle. I fasted and prayed about it and I trusted God with all I had in me. Favor was granted because I serve a God of the impossible. As God’s Word tells us

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” ~ Luke 1:37

I also know that God orchestrates every event in my life and He is supreme over everything. So, if He does not give me what I ask for, I know that a delay is not always a no. He is still God, He is still victorious, He still sits on the throne, and He has something greater for me. When God does not give me what I ask for, I ask Him, if it’s not His will, to help me to understand.

As I grew in my relationship with God, I had the desire to tell everyone about my hope and to defend my faith, but I needed more of the Word in me to evangelize and declare boldly the name of Jesus. As a result, I attended Ebenezer Bible School and completed a three-year course in Christian studies to help equip me for ministry.

May I confess that reading the Bible is SWEET? I get excited when I read the stories and get an epiphany, which I then discuss with my brothers and sister in Christ.

I am still shy and reserved, but I try to obey God’s Word even when I am fearful of what could go wrong, because I know He did not give me a spirit of fear but of sound mind. I know the devil is a liar, so if he tells me I can’t do it I know I can because he always lies. Now when I am asked to do something, I step out in faith and rely on God’s strength, despite all my “what ifs”.

Commitment

I have become active in my local church again, but this time around I serve gladly. I gladly show up for church and Bible study on time. I gladly teach Sunday school and serve on the finance team and the ladies ministry board. Not seeking earthly approval, but knowing that my reward is in heaven and that what I do for Christ has to have eternal value.

At times when I see the hand of God in my life, I would smile and say “God you are the boss”. I am now connected to God and know that He is my only source. I know who I am in Him and who is He is to me. I understand that it is who I am in Him that is going to sustain me when the trials of life hits. I now realize that my only Job is to worship him, to make disciples, and to love everyone with no conditions.

This walk is not always easy but I am determined to finish this race where there are no losers. I am determined to stay focused and true to Him. I am pressing on to heaven my home, I continue to cultivate my heart for God and contend for my faith daily.

The Three Steps of Discipleship

Published by reflectionsintheword

[Jesus] said unto them, “Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” ~ Mark 8:34b

STEP 1: Deny self

It is not what I want for my life, that matters. What matters is what Jesus wants for me. I’ll give up my life, and my liberty to pursue Jesus’ “happiness”.

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. ~ Philippians 3:7

STEP 2: Take up your cross

Your cross is not your sacrifice. Jesus was crucified ON a cross. Therefore, to take up your cross is to be ready for the world to crucify you for the sake of the gospel. Taking up my cross is the willingness to be rejected by the world.

But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. ~ Galatians 6:14

STEP 3: Follow me

Obey the teachings of Jesus: live by the WORD of God: Imitate Christ. Read the Bible and live the Bible. If Christ is our shepherd we must follow His instructions: His Word preserved for us in the Bible.

Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. ~ Psalm 119:133

A Word on Judging

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“Judging” is a topic that we find difficult to understand and apply. And one that the enemy tries to use against the children of God to make us impotent, compromising, and complacent. We had addressed this topic in detail (Fruit Finding vs. Branch Burning) some time ago and this response is both a synopsis and minor update.

Laying out the doctrines of the church, Paul addressed judging in some detail in 1 Corinthians 5:11-6:6. In summary, Believers are to judge each other as pertains to what is right and wrong (see also Galatians 6:1). On the other hand, Believers are not to judge unbelievers since an unbeliever is already judged because of his/her unbelief. And more pointedly, everything the unbeliever does is wrong, because his/her actions are not a result of being in a right relationship with God.

The confusion about judging comes from an incomplete reading of Matthew 7:1-5. We read verse 1 and stop there; without continuing all the way to verse 5, where Jesus says:

“…and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother’s eye.” ~ Matthew 7:5b

Clearly, Jesus was rebuking judging when we have a beam in our own eyes. However, the verse also shows that Jesus EXPECTS us to judge our brother when that beam is removed.

Jesus had already warned in v.2 for us to be careful of the measuring scale employed in judgment. In particular, we should use ONLY God’s Word as our “yardstick”. And Jesus says in Matthew 9:13 “I will have mercy, and not sacrifice”: i.e., we should be merciful (though not compromising or complacent) in the application of His Word.

However, we tend to place all our attention on the “beam in our eyes”, which is a critical point, but one that can be twisted if forced to stand alone, apart from the rest of Scripture.

What exactly is that beam that Jesus mentions?

“Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:21

Most often, we incorrectly assume that the beam Jesus mentions is sin in itself. However, if that was the case, Jesus would have set an unattainable expectation, since we never achieve sinless perfection here on earth.

Rather, the beam is whatever prevents us from seeing clearly. Eyes need light to see. Whatever blocks light from entering an eye makes it harder for that eye to see properly. Likewise, whatever blocks the light of God’s Word from entering our spiritual eyes, makes it hard for us to see spiritually.

Certainly, sin can be one of those blocks or “beams”. However, more generally, it is our biases, our wills, our selves, that get in the way of God’s light. To get a clearer picture, consider Galatians 6:1 below:

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” ~ Galatians 6:1

1. The instruction clearly assumes a judgment has been made.
The one judged is a brother in Christ, not an unbeliever.
The corrective measures (the mote removal) are to be taken by those that “are spiritual”.

“…but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.” ~ 2 Corinthians 10:12

We can define those that “are spiritual” as those that “are NOT carnal”, i.e., those who are not living primarily by their flesh. This distinction is important since it does not require sinless perfection. The only requirement is NON-carnality, i.e., their flesh is not in the way, their flesh is not a hindrance to the light of God’s Word.

Carnal Christians are not good at making judgments because their self/flesh-centered biases, like beams in their eyes, make it impossible to see clearly. However, those that “are spiritual”, those that are mature in Christ, have the light of God coming into their “eyes” and they can see what needs to be done.

The Proper Way for a Man to Pray

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“Pray without ceasing.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“The proper way for a man to pray,”
Said Deacon Lemuel Keys,
“The only proper attitude
is down upon his knees.”
“No, I should say, the way to pray,”
Said Reverend Doctor Wise,
“Is standing straight with outstretched arms
And rapturous upturned eyes.”

“Oh, no, no, no,” said Elder Slow;
“Such posture is too proud:
“A man should pray with eyes fast closed
“And head contritely bowed.”
“It seems to me his hands should be
Devoutly clasped in front,
With both thumbs pointing t’ward the ground,”
Said Reverend Doctor Blunt.

“Last year I fell in Hodgkin’s well
Head first,” said Cyrus Brown.
“With both my heels a’sticking up,
My head a’pointing down.
And I made a prayer right then and there,
Best prayer I ever said—
The prayerest prayer I ever prayed
Was standing on my head.”

–Author unknown

God hath not promised…

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“…Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God…” ~ Isaiah 43:1b-3a

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower–strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.

But God hath promised strength for the day,
Rest for the laborer, light for the way,
Grace for the trials, help from above,
Unfailing sympathy, undying love.

–by Annie Johnson Flint

When God Calls Your Name – A Word for Moms

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Reading through the books of Kings, I was amazed at how many times both books recorded the names of mothers of the kings of Judah – for both the good kings and the bad kings (e.g., see 1 Kings 15:1-2, 9-10; 2 Kings 21:1; 2 Kings 22:1). This is in addition to several other references to mothers.

Some of the well-known mothers in the Bible include Jochebed (Moses’ mother); Hannah (Samuel’s mother); Rebekah (Esau’s and Jacob’s mother); Bathsheba (Solomon’s mother); and Mary, our Lord’s mother.

God’s word is deliberate with what it allows to be recorded. Therefore, God’s record of those mothers was done deliberately. What might be the reason for God to mention their names?

Could it be that God does take note of what we do as mothers?

Could it be that what we do with our children is important to God?

Could it be that this mighty God sees our work as part of His eternal purpose, that how we train our children does count towards an eternal purpose?

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.”
~ Psalm 127:3

God has entrusted to us, as mothers, His heritage (our children), to be used by Him in the time He has appointed; a time of which we know not and may not even live to know.

How will God record your name, as a mother? Are you building into His kingdom?

Proverbs 14:1 tells us Every wise woman buildeth her house: but the foolish plucketh it down with her hands. So, look to God’s word to become wise and have your name recorded among God’s godly women.

by Nicole Duncan

REMEMBER Your Redemption: Free at Last!

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“And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypt, and that the Lord thy God brought thee out thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm…” ~ Deuteronomy 5:15a

“But thou shalt remember that thou wast a bondman in Egypt, and the Lord thy God redeemed thee thence…” ~ Deuteronomy 24:18a

In his farewell address to the Hebrew people that he had led for more than forty years, Moses repeatedly (at least seven times) reminded them to remember that God had redeemed them from slavery/bondage in Egypt. And, therefore, they should not live as if they were still in Egypt. Nor should they live in a way that would lead to their re-enslavement.

The Hebrews had been (physically) taken out of Egypt, the next step was for Egypt to be (spiritually) taken out of the Hebrews. The Hebrews were made free men, but they had to learn to live as free men.

God, speaking through Moses, gave them the key: for the Hebrews to live free they must think free.

The word “remember” (whether in Hebrew or English) means “bring to mind”. Therefore, the Hebrews were being encouraged to keep thinking about the fact that they were free. They were not obliged to live as the Egyptians did: they were not obliged to live sinfully: They now had a choice: IF they wanted to, they could serve God as He had taught them to do.

The redemption of the Hebrews from Egypt parallels the redemption obtained through Jesus’ death on the Cross. The Lord redeemed the Hebrews from enslavement to Egypt and The Lord has redeemed Believers from enslavement to sin.

Like the Hebrews, Believers are no longer obliged to live as slaves to sin.

Like the Hebrews, Believers must learn to live as free men/women.

Like the Hebrews, the key is to change our thinking so that we are constantly conscious that we are no longer in bondage.

By the grace of God, I can overcome sin!

Believers: We have been redeemed from the bondage of sin.

“For ye are bought with a price [redeemed]: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” ~ 1 Corinthians 6:20

Believers: We are not slaves to sin.

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” ~ Romans 6:14

Believers: We can overcome temptation.

“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” ~ 1 Corinthians 10:13

Believers: We are not alone, we have Jesus to triumph through us.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.” ~ Galatians 2:20

The first step needed to walk victoriously in the abundant life God has given us is to remember, remember, remember, that we are redeemed. Sin is no longer our master.

Moreover, the power of redemption is exercised when we LIVE as free men/women. If we live as slaves to sin, though our redemption remains a reality, we squander its power.

Believers living as though they are still enslaved to sin are like a blind man who receives his sight but then walks around with his eyes closed. He can see, but his newfound sight has no effect on his life. And he misses out on all the beauty before him.

Let us never forget that we are redeemed, we are born again: we are new creations. It cost Jesus His life to redeem us. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we have been reborn. Let us live every day as the children of God our Father.

“And you hath He quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins…
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them…
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” ~ Ephesians 2:1, 8-10, 19

This is the fifth of a nine-part series on Principles for the Promised Land summarized from the book of Deuteronomy.

REMEMBER God is our Judge

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“Remember what the Lord thy God did unto Miriam by the way, after that ye were come forth out of Egypt.” ~ Deuteronomy 24:9

Miriam, Moses’ sister, had (along with Aaron) challenged his authority as the leader of the Hebrew nation (Numbers 12:1-16). God was furious because of Miriam’s rebellion and she became leprous: Challenging the authority of God’s appointed leader is the same as challenging God’s authority.

To prevent transmission of the disease, lepers, like Miriam, had to live outside of the community and generally had very little fellowship with their non-leprous brethren/countrymen (Leviticus 13:44-46). Therefore, when Hebrews became leprous, though they remained Hebrew, they were unable to fully enjoy the blessings God provided for His people and they were unable to fully enjoy the fellowship of their brethren.

Just like Miriam, when we resist/reject God’s authority in our lives, we bring God’s judgment upon ourselves: we deprive ourselves of many of the blessings He has already appointed for us. And, denying God’s complete authority in our lives compromises and degrades ALL of our relationships.

God is love (1 John 4:8, 16), therefore there is no love without God. In other words, we cannot enjoy, give, or receive love without God, without submitting to God’s authority.

The problems we have with relationships in our communities are all consequences of our rejection of God. We cannot truly love anyone without God: because God is love. And if we cannot love our neighbors, how can we have healthy relationships with them?

As Jesus pointed out, the first great commandment is to “Love God”, the second great commandment is to “Love your neighbor”. And the second great commandment cannot be fulfilled without the first great commandment (Matthew 22:35-40).

Furthermore, if the rebellious Believer is not “quarantined” from the rest of the brethren, i.e., if his/her rebellion is not confronted and condemned, his/her rebellious attitude towards God can spread to others and infect entire communities (1 Corinthians 5:1-6:11). Indeed, this latent rebelliousness against God’s authority hinders genuine fellowship among church members and prevents us from fully shouldering the mantle of ministry God reserves for each Believer.

God’s authority over our lives is not burdensome, God’s authority is a blessing.

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.” ~ 1 John 5:3

God’s judgments, God’s corrective disciplinary actions, are not a terror to His children. Miriam became leprous, but she never stopped being a Hebrew. When Believers are disciplined, we don’t lose our salvation: we don’t stop being children in the family of God, joint heirs with Jesus.

“I remembered thy judgments of old, O Lord; and have comforted myself.” ~ Psalm 119:52

Like any child should, we remember God’s judgments because we do not want to dishonor our Father: He is holy, He is to be respected and reverenced.

We remember God’s judgments so that we don’t have to repeat our mistakes or repeat the mistakes of others.

We remember God’s judgments so that they will motivate us to do what we know is right.

We remember God’s judgments because they are demonstrations of His love for us: God cares, He is not indifferent toward us.

“⁵ …despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: ⁶For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.
¹¹Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” ~ Hebrews 12:5b-6, 11

We are encouraged to remember God’s judgments so that we stay in glorious fellowship with Him. So that we can fully enjoy the blessings, the ministry, He has in store for us, as members of the Body of Christ. And so that we can enjoy the beauty of brotherly love with other Believers, i.e., other members of the Body of Christ.

This is the fourth of a nine-part series on Principles for the Promised Land summarized from the book of Deuteronomy.

God’s No

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“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?” ~ Matthew 7:11

God’s “no” means “Something better”
I can trust Him with my all.
The God who formed the universe
Attendeth when I call;
And when in love and wisdom
He withholds my heart’s request
His “no” means “something better”.
He will give me what is best.

God’s “wait-a-while’s” bring blessings
That His “right-away’s” withhold.
When He’s tried me in the fire
I shall [then] come forth as gold.
Oh what peace it brings in sorrow,
And what comfort fills my breast
Just to know, whate’er His answer
He will give me what is best.

– by Barbara C. Ryberg