A Lifetime

Daniel 3:16-18 - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

Power and truth,

are found in the fire.

Humility and grace,

come from the flames.

O Lord,

test me, test me,

but do not let me fall!

Deepen my need,

increase my longing,

that I may never depart from You.

Let me see Your judgment,

yet cling to Your grace;

for in this,

I am free.

Why would I live,

with comfort and ease -

why would it matter?

Rather,

let me cherish suffering,

praising You in the pain;

for it brings me closer to You.

A lifetime of suffering,

is worth an eternity of worship;

let my soul take hold of the truth.

Amen.