Father God, this painful heart cries out to you for restoration and joy. Lord, I do not shy from testing, nor would I relinquish one moment of the sanctification found in this crucible of life. Though Lord this world threatens, cajoles and simply put hurts as it seeks to leave me in misery, defeated. My life is victory in promise, yes, the rose of understanding, the fragrance of the fight finished. My God, oh my loving Lord, the pain shapes and equips, making me ready for the next opportunity to seek your Glory. Let me gain from each stretching of my heart strings in passions challenged and debt’s released. May I befriend mercy and grace at each breath’s leaving.

I heard Jesus cry for the sheep and I knew Him my God as He could not bear the wounds before Him. These disobedient seek the weakest among us to batter and better, through quest for Dominion. Lord they hate the little ones, those with many years and the frail among us, to the point of wanting their lives. Lord, is this heart made to sustain the pain I have watched those around me receive? Will it give out at the next mention of child’s torturous moments? When will I find rest, when will these eyes be freed of damage to the innocent? When oh, my Loving Father will I be able to put down this hand to keep from breaking? I want no rest when others cannot find safety as I stand ready.

Lord, I love you and it hurts to love them and receive threat, challenge and curse in exchange. The suffering reminds me of my kinship. These things I must embrace as they mean the trials of this world are remaking me in Your image. That knowledge equips me to resist any attempted surrender. There is no place for me here but in your guidance, no home for me but carrying you within my heart, no family among men but to be serving with my brethren. No place that I would hide as to do so misses the opportunity to stand in Good Courage declaring your Word of Wonder. You are my supply, my sustenance and hope. You are my strength and song, the words that give life to my eternity.