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Testing

Lord, I don’t like tests,

I never have ; – but

Your’s are different;

You want me to pass.

You don’t make it easy,

Nor give the answers – but

You’ll help me find them if I ask,

And chase after You.

You know the risks I take,

You understand my fears – but

You call me to trust in You.

And dare to test Your faithfulness.

I am not laying traps for You,

Your Word says, "Do not test thy God" – but,

You say that I can try the strength of my God

And find Him faithful.

I cannot demand

You prove Your love – but,

If I dare to hover near Your light,

You will.

You prove Your love,

Not to convince me – but

Because Your love is true;

And proves itself, constantly.

When I think I’m testing You,

You’re really testing me – but

You test in such a way,

You gently stretch my trust.

I feel I’m stretched too far,

That I will break, and lose You – but

You know my limits more than I,

You will not let me go.

I cannot say my heart is healed,

Nor that my trust in You is strong – but

You take the little that I have

And multiply it with Your rain.

The tests will always come,

And I will surely fall again – but

You’re always there to help me up

And urge me on again.

At times I feel I’m on my own,

You won’t help me again – but

You’re only strengthening my faith,

My pain – is "growing pains".

Mankind will tire of progress slow,

And look for faults and blame – but

You are patient, strong and true,

I’ll choose to put my trust in to put my trust – in You.

© 18/12/2000