The Cross of Chastening
by Michelle Stace
There’s a popular notion in Christian
circles these days;
“Health, wealth and happiness,”
is what preachers say.
“Give your time and money and
the Lord will bless,”
“I’ll lay my hands on you to heal
your distress.”
But the words of Christ are far
different you see;
He says, “Take up your cross and
follow Me.”
To patiently suffer, this we must
do;
Self must be crucified, so His
life shines through.
Much shame and reproach, He willingly
bore;
To do this for Him, should not
be a chore.
True children of God, He’ll
chasten and afflict;
Does this scare you, it shouldn’t,
it’s proof of sonship.
Christ suffered for us, in order
to show;
“Train up a child in the way he
should go.”
The Lord doesn’t leave us to
suffer alone,
He loves and guides us, He’ll
comfort and console.
He provides heavenly peace, the
world can't understand;
It sustains during dark
times, makes us joyful within.
Counted worthy to suffer, O what
a blessing!
Someday complete victors over
all transgressing.
He ministered to others, and so
must we,
His example to follow, to imitate,
and be.