Surrender

God had a work for me to do,

A path for me to tread,

But oh, how steep the way appeared

When I looked far ahead.

I said, “Lord, I know fairer fields

Where there is work to do,

Fields with a harvest plenteous

Where laborers are few;

“And see, this path is full of thorns

And burning desert sands.”

He said, “Each thorn becomes a rose

When God Himself commands.”

“The path gives room for only one–

Must I so lonely be,

Without a friend to cheer?” He said,

“There’s room enough for Me.”

“‘Twill take a greater instrument

To do the work You’ve planned–”

He said, “The smallest tool fits well

Within the Master’s hand.”

He waited till I’d finished, then

He answered patiently,

“You’ve told me all that you can do–

Now, why not look to Me?”

And so, in shame, from all of self

I turn my eyes away

And simply lay my hand in Thine,

And say, “Lord, lead the way.”

by Barbara C. Ryberg