What I once thought an exhausting wrestling match
I now see as God’s loving embrace,
I once thought it was I holding on for dear life
I now see I am held by God’s grace.

For so many years I’ve cried torrents of tears
And thought they were poured out in vain,
But God stored each one up in a bottle
And used anguish of soul for great gain.

So please dear Christian don’t give up
Even when things seem hopeless and dark,
For  Christ can set the whole world ablaze,
With a smoldering wick and one spark.

Mark Tinjum   –   2016