In Suffering

In health, O Lord, I have less need of You,
I'm busy with my own affairs, it seems;
I'm strong and free and independent too,
I concentrate on my own fun and schemes.
And then You send Your suffering to me,
I fight it, though I know it's most in vain;
without the cross, there is no victory,
without the pain, I'm told, there is no gain.
In suffering, I turn to You in prayer,
and you are with me in a closer way;
in suffering, Your suffering I share,
dependent more on You, the less I stray.
In pain I find forgiveness more--and grace,
Your cross, Your arms outstretched, and Your embrace.

                       -- by Pete Voelz       2/06