God knows what He's about!

If my recollection is correct (though, admittedly, it is becoming increasingly fuzzy with each passing year), I first saw this poem about twenty-five years ago - early in my pastoral ministry. I just recently stumbled upon it again. I still don't know who the author is - but it seems to me that A. W. Tozer's well-known "one-liner" essentially sums up the point of this piece: "It's doubtful that God can use any man greatly until He's hurt him deeply."

When I reread this poem this morning, it helped me regain some perspective on recent events in my life. I was both challenged and encouraged by it. I hope and pray my dear readers will be, too.

When God wants to drill a man,
And thrill a man,
And skill a man
When God wants to mold a man
To play the noblest part;

When He yearns with all His heart
To create so great and bold a man
That all the world shall be amazed,
Watch His methods, watch His ways!

How He ruthlessly perfects
Whom He royally elects!
How He hammers him and hurts him,
And with mighty blows converts him

Into trial shapes of clay which
Only God understands;
While his tortured heart is crying
And he lifts beseeching hands!

How He bends but never breaks
When his good He undertakes;
How He uses whom He chooses,
And which every purpose fuses him;
By every act induces him
To try His splendor out-
God knows what He's about.

Anonymous

Wow! The truth of that last line gives me both comfort and courage:

GOD KNOWS WHAT HE'S ABOUT!
Have a BLESSED day!