Sorrow, pain, and struggle…. Crosses- yes. Wasted- no. I have found that when I view my crosses rightly, it helps me to see beyond the timeline in which I live… and that is a good thing.
Please take the time to ponder the poetry of John Newton, ex- slave trader and redeemed Christian saint of ages past. Consider his insight. Ponder its beauty.
Prayer Answered by Crosses
By John Newton
I ask’d the Lord, that I might grow
In faith, and love, and ev’ry grace,
Might more of his salvation know,
And seek more earnestly his face.
‘Twas he who taught me thus to pray,
And he, I trust has answer’d pray’r;
But is has been in such a say,
As almost drove me to despair.
I hop’d that in some favour’d hour,
At once he’d answer my request:
And by his love’s constraining pow’r,
Subdue my sins, and give me rest.
Instead of this, he made me feel
The hidden evils of my heart;
And let the angry pow’rs of hell
Assault my soul in ev’ry part.
Yea more, with his own hand he seem’d
Intent to aggravate my woe;
Cross’d all the fair designs I schem’d,
Blasted my gourds, and laid me low.
Lord, why is this, I trembling cry’d,
Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death?
“’Tis in this way,” the Lord reply’d,
“I answer pray’r for grace and faith,
“These inward trials I employ,
“From self and pride to set thee free;
“And break they schemes of earthly joy,
“That thou mayest seek thy all in me.”
Sanctuary Functional Medicine, under the direction of Dr Eric Potter, IFMCP MD, provides functional medicine services to Nashville, Middle Tennessee and beyond. We frequently treat patients from Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Ohio, Indiana, and more... offering the hope of healthier more abundant lives to those with chronic illness.