If I’d …
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” — Romans 8:18
My knees are weak, and fresh tears fall like hot wax on my cheeks, at the
beautiful irony of our faith.And this is how my Lenten heart can rejoice in my sufferings:
If I’d never felt so empty,
then how could You have filled me?
If I’d never felt so fretful,
then how could You have stilled me?
If I’d never crashed to pieces,
how could You make me whole?
If I’d never been a sinner,
Who’d need to save this soul?
Because I know the sting of sin,
I’ve felt extravagance of grace.
Because I’ve sailed on stormy seas,
I know it’s You who stilled them.
Because I’ve walked on broken streets,
I know that You rebuilt them.
then how could You have filled me?
If I’d never felt so fretful,
then how could You have stilled me?
If I’d never crashed to pieces,
how could You make me whole?
If I’d never been a sinner,
Who’d need to save this soul?
Because I’ve cried myself to sleep,
I know
Because I know the sting of sin,
I’ve felt extravagance of grace.
Because I’ve sailed on stormy seas,
I know it’s You who stilled them.
Because I’ve walked on broken streets,
I know that You rebuilt them.
Because I’ve smelled the stench of death,
I know Your sweet perfume.
Because I know the cross of Christ,
I know the empty tomb.
I know Your sweet perfume.
Because I know the cross of Christ,
I know the empty tomb.
Lord Jesus, Yes, I can rejoice in my sufferings. For if I’d never felt the sting of sin and pain and sorrow, I wouldn’t know what it was for you to overwhelm me with your love and grace. I love you. Amen.
(Highlighted words link to some of my favorite Biblical passages, over at www.biblegateway.com.)
Each Wednesday, I join Ann Voskamp as we consider spiritual practices that draw us nearer to the heart of God. This week we consider: Hungering for God. Will you join us over at Ann’s?
Blessings and prayers,
andrea
Beautiful….
Wow Jennifer, this needs to be printed and hung in my home. It is beauty, not just your words, but His Love!
Blessings.
Oh my goodness, there is nothing to add to that beautiful post except AMEN!
I love your integrating the Scripture links with your words! Truly satisfying.
I love to come here as yours is a place of fresh air and vibrant passion.
Thanks for this today!
WOW! Very powerful reminder of if…Loved the renewed perspective that you shared. Many blessing to you!
This is so beautiful, Jennifer. Lent gets me all softened up for words such as these. It is so true, all that He has done for me.
Thanks for making my heart all gooey this afternoon. 🙂
Wow! That's beautiful!
Hi dear friend.
Don't have much to add to that expect it really touched my heart and made look at things I am going through right now.
Thank you for doing that for me, hey you may not can do slip knot but you can write like no other : )
I am printing this post out and pasting it all over my house.
Will try to connect more often.
Looking hard at pain right now. This is perfect.
Oh, I just love that. Beautiful words that just go so deep into the soul. Awesome way to look at going from the wilderness to that lush promise land!
What great insight … so true, so true.
Absolutely beautiful.
wow,,, I know this was inspired, I could feel it. Thank you for you obediance in writing this. I just really love it!!! xoxo LA
I'm so blessed by every visit here, Jennifer! Your words are His and His gift to you is exquisite. He so often speaks to me in poetry. I'm going to read this again and again…
Beautiful…heartfelt and glorious truth!!
Thank you!
You my present day sufferings, and yes, there is hope. Thank you friend
it's quite the paradox isn't it … beautifully presented
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry about the extra punctuation. It was needed. I know this grace.