Simply Holding on and Trusting Him for 2006

I have read this poem over and over during this past difficult year. To some, its words may seem unbearably harsh, even cruel. But to those of you who have also spent time on the anvil, you will understand why it has brought me both hope and peace. As I move into the new year, I pray that my time in the furnace is nearly done. But if not, then I pray that I may at least be a testament of God's grace as He continues to give me just enough strength and courage to make it through.

Pain's furnace heat within me quivers,

God's breath upon the flame does blow;

And all my heart in anguish shivers

And trembles at the fiery glow;

And yet I whisper, "As God will!"

And in the hottest fire hold still.

He comes and lays my heart, all heated,

On the hard anvil, minded so

Into His own fair shape to beat it

With His great hammer, blow on blow;

And yet I whisper, "As God will!"

And at His heaviest blows hold still.

He takes my softened heart and beats it;

The sparks fly off at every blow'

He turns it o'er and o'er and heats it,

and lets it cool, and makes it glow;

And yet I whisper, "As God will!"

And in His mighty hand hold still.

Why should I complain? for the sorrow

Then only longer-lived would be;

The end may come, and will tomorrow,

When God has done His work in me;

So I say trusting, "As God will!"

And trusting to the end, hold still.

~ Julius Sturm