Consider it pure joy, my brothers, when you encounter
trials of many kinds,
because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance.
Allow perseverance to finish its work,
so that you may be mature
and complete,
not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4
Do we count it pure joy to suffer for faith’s cause
Or do we let the test destroy untried verbose applause
When trial’s lot employs the disciplining rod
Do we consider it pure joy and give glory to God
And do we let the test complete its sacred task
In ways that human wantonness would never care to ask
Do we gladly endure the cross that is our call
So that our faith will be mature and lack nothing at all
Do we with meek belief reckon Mercy’s consent
To try the wily, smiley chief of double-minded bent
Do we trust sorrow’s joys and suffer willingly
So faith is more than shallow noise lacking maturity
Do we suffer the thorn or simply want the rose
When from time's flicker we are borne what proof will death expose
Will faith with steadfast gaze endure that last travail
As joy is turned to endless praise for He who did not fail
Dare we with wings untried rise up to meet our Lord
When Heaven's Groom Gathers His Bride dare she be smooth,
un-scarred
When faith turns into sight as its armour grows cold
How sweeter then, the pure delight as we His face behold
© Janet Martin
