The Jewel of Suffering ...

My child I know you're hurting, I share your pain each day                          

Your cries for help are ringing in My ears    

But when you said you'd follow Me and serve Me as your God    

You chose the road of suffering and tears

Abundant life I'll give you, if the road of death you choose

There is no other way for you to go

The road I chose for My own Son, was paved with pain and death

If you follow Him, My glory you will know

So don't despise suffering My child

For it is a priceless jewel that I give

And you'll never share My glory, if you never share My pain

So choose that road with Jesus now and live.

For the joy set before Him, My Son endured the cross 

So join him there each day upon that tree

When you crucify the flesh and let Me live through you

My glory and My power you will see.

I've seen this broken spirit, I have heard these cries before

As My only Son cried out in agony

He struggled in that garden as His heart was torn with grief

But chose the road of death and set you free

My Father-heart just longed to take the cup from Him that night

But My plan and purpose He had always known

And all my other children waited for My Son to say:

'Father, not my will but Yours alone.'

So don't despise suffering My child

For it is a priceless jewel that I give

And you'll never share My glory if you never share My pain

So choose that road with Jesus now and live.

For the joy set before Him, My Son endured the cross 

So join him there each day upon that tree

When you crucify the flesh and let Me live through you

My glory and My power you will see.

© 1996  Robert Griffith