We sang this hymn a few Sundays ago, and the words are both powerful and convicting. It is so often easy to miss opportunities to speak of and boldly stand up for Christ and His Truth with those that we come in contact with. One of the last lines of the song stood out to me particularly . . . "Increase my courage, Lord. I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy Word." What a stirring prayer that is! And God will give us all the strength necessary to stand firmly when we place our trust in Him.
Am I a soldier of the cross?
A follower of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His Name?
Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas?
Are there no foes for me to face?
Must I not stem the flood?
Is this vile world a friend to grace,
To help me on to God?
Sure I must fight if I would reign;
Increase my courage, Lord.
I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain,
Supported by Thy Word.
-Isaac Watts
-Posted by Leah
Photo by : Bruno Monginoux www.Landscape-Photo.net
That is a beautiful hymn. It is true~Jesus told us that those who want to save their lives no matter what the cost will lose it. Those who give their lives for the Word of God will never die~living an everlasting life with Jesus. I think about the people around the world who are martyrs for Christ. All the persecution going on in other countries~it is amazing how strong and courageous one can become by having the Holy Spirit dwell inside us. I pray that our country will never turn their back on God like so many others around the world have done. God bless,Rose
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very beautiful hymn (I have never heard of it, before now). But I like the words:) And that picture is pretty.
ReplyDeleteThis is beautiful, Leah, thank you for sharing. I have recently been thinking more about the words of hymns as I sing them -- do I really mean what I am singing?
ReplyDeleteAnna
Beautiful hymn, and a fravourite of mine!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Rose, so much for your comment and for all that you shared! It was not only encouraging to us, but convicting as well. How much we can learn from the examples of courage and faith of our brothers and sisters in the Lord as they undergo persecution such as we have never yet had to experience!
ReplyDeleteIt is, Desiree! It is a fairly new hymn to us as well, and the words were powerful, we found.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting! :)
Thank you, Anna! And you’re welcome. :) You bring up a very good point! Are we singing just to sing or are we thinking about the words and actually meaning what we are singing? Thank you for sharing that!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment, Grace and Poise! And welcome to our blog. :)
ReplyDelete