Through the fire

God puts us through the fire
To test our faith -
Because He wants to know
If it's real, and unfeigned.

Our Father wants to learn
If it's to Him we will turn -
When our problems accrue,
Will we still give Him His due?

When life brings us down
And nothing goes right;
Will we still trust in Him then
To fight our fight?

Will we keep on hoping -
When all hope seems lost;
When following Christ comes
At a very high cost?

When God turns up the heat,
Will our love still be strong,
Or will it prove to have been
Shallow all along?

At one time or another,
Every sheep of Christ's fold
Must be put to the test -
Face temptations manifold.

When we go through the fire,
We're in good company;
The men and women of the Bible
Were proved similarly.

God is trustworthy and true,
Even in the darkest hour.
He holds us up in His hand;
We are kept by His power.

"I'll never leave or forsake you",
He assures us in His Word,
"I am with you always -
Until the end of this world."

Blessed are they who endure,
Who love God from the heart;
A crown of life He has promised
To all who faithful depart!