As We Whimper and Whine

(And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.)
2 Cor 12:7-10)

Tho so unworthy, You bid us to come—
Drink deep of the Fountain, which is Your dear Son.
Our thirst You doth fill with Your marvelous grace,
As we look through Your Word to behold Your Sweet Face.

Oh, help us to hate what You hate of ourselves;
As we whimper and whine, as we look to our delves.
Your grace is sufficient; Your strength is made strong,
As we boast of infirmities which cause us to long—

For more of Your wisdom and more of Your love,
To fill us with power and strength from above.
Christ, only Christ can fill our desire
To bring You the glory in all of our mire.

As pitiful children, we confess of our need
To learn to take pleasure in all where You lead.
We thank You, Oh Father; correction You bring,
And cause us to glory, and cause us to sing—
Of all of the wonders of Your matchless grace;
To lead us to heaven to see Your Dear Face.

What wondrous affection You'll show when You're done,
By bringing reproaches as You did to Your Son—
To make us like Jesus in all that You do,
To strengthen Your body as we are made new.

Oh, use us to strengthen the weak feeble knee,
As we bow in submission to Your Sovereignty.
Treasures of mercy, we ask of You now;
To strengthen our hands, and continue to plough.

To preach of the gospel—Your Kingdom Will Come;
In Power, Your Spirit, will make us all One.
Beholding Your glory forever we'll be;
Rejoicing in Jesus throughout all eternity.

Michael E. Wood
09-21-09