I am the whole of infinity, the beginning and the end;
He that saith "I am that I am" saith "I go with whom I send",
And whom I send, I also try by fire, and as gold refine,
Prove by my chastisement He is surely a true son of mine.
I am the God of Israel and my son Job was tried,
Though everything went against him, I was always by his side.
Now, He couldn't always feel it, but I knew His faith in me
Would keep him true to the God He could neither feel or see.
I've had many servants whose lives were never free,
And many, many faithful ones who suffered death for me.
I Know the trial you've endured has seemed to be severe,
And you feel that your petitions have not quite reached my ear.
I know your every thought, the depression, distress and shame,
And how you've sought my presence
Each time you breathe my name.
There seems to be no end to the testing you endure
And sorrow and sadness seem the only thing that's sure.
Now you have real need of me, for help you beg and wait,
But better days are coming when your need won't seem so great.
If deliverance was easy the weaker ones would fall
When I've cleared away the problems
And there is no need to call.
But the stronger ones will glory when every trial begins
And know that their chastisement is for love, and not for sins.
So now, if praise can swell from deep in the troubled heart,
Songs of the day of salvation burst the chains of gloom apart.
Satan can have no hold on you I want you knowing it now,
The worst thing He can do to you is only what I allow.
And now, if you'll be faithful and keep your mind on me;
Instead of begging, worship and praise
for the answer you shall see.
For I the Lord have declared it and I close and open doors,
To give to you the victory that shortly shall be yours.
By F. W. (Lucky) Hope
