The Chisel

God uses chronic pain and weakness, 

E’en while our bodies waste away. 

Our weakness deepens our dependence

On Christ alone for strength each day.

 

The weaker we feel, the harder we lean. 

The harder we lean into His will

The stronger we grow in our spirits, 

And we see that He is stronger still

Pain is God’s chisel for sculpting our lives. 

Along with the troubles we face

They produce endurance and healing

A  supreme victory of God’s grace.

It is true healing for the spirit. 

To patiently live with your ‘thorn’ 

That is, sweet, patient, and free in heart 

To attain that for which you were born.

To love and to serve and help others, 

even though every day you feel weak — 

This is true sanctification. 

This is the blessing we seek.

The chisel in the master’s hand

Forms and shapes the hardest heart

To sculpt away all that’s unworthy

To be called God’s work of art.

July 25, 2023

Anthony Foster