The Trial
By Susan Vaughan Shumake
*****
A trial of a thousand years it has seemed,
I have carried the weight of the heaviest beam.
A thorn in my side that brings my heart pain.
Though I’ve prayed it be gone, you have let it remain.
And yes, you have watched as I’ve walked on this road.
You have seen as I’ve cried as I’ve carried my load.
At times my steps falter, I fall to the ground
as I’m overwhelmed by what you have allowed.
You have watched as I’ve struggled to get to my feet.
You have heard my heart wish I could run in retreat.
You have seen me get angry because of my pain.
You are there when I give it to you once again.
And then, in a moment, you show yourself true.
You touch me, refresh me, and widen my view.
Then feeling encouraged, I start on my way
as my trial and I begin a new day.
You have answered my prayers, though my trial is still here.
You teach and you train me as I persevere.
You have ordered my steps, despite all my grief.
You have strengthened my arms to give me relief.
Although it has seemed that my trial has been long,
it has been for a purpose; that I might grow strong.
You have deepened my faith with an intimate view,
of the God of all Comfort, the God that is you.
So now, with the comfort and love I’ve received,
I can pass on your comfort to others in need.
And the fruitfulness then that will come from this test,
will prove that my life has truly been blessed.
*****
