When What We Have Is Taken...

 Whatever the scale of the losses we suffer

 may it be the means to opening our eyes/faith to what/Who remains!

When what we had is taken it may make us feel bereft

Or cause us to awaken to how much we still have left

Matters of fact seem harsh sometimes in worlds subject to change

We grapple with what dawn unwinds and twilight will estrange

When what we had is taken we begin to realize

That until faith is shaken who can tell its honest size

Shall we accept only the good from Whom all blessings flow

If so, I am afraid we would forget how much we owe

…to He who gave His best to save us from eternal Worst

And sent His Son to brave the cross to rescue souls, death-cursed

Ah, faith is not for feeble-minded fortune-hunting clods

It tests we, prone to flawed, sight-blinded love of lesser gods

Each good and perfect gift is from above, its mercies spill

From He who does not shift or change, like shadows on the hill

Where we, never forsaken sometimes let our love grow dim

Till what we have is taken to awaken us to Him

© Janet Martin

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial;

 for once he has been approved, 

he will receive the crown of life which 

the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12 

 Every good and perfect gift is from above, 

coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, 

who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17