Like Him

"Oh, make me what You want, dear Lord, a vessel You can use!"

I prayed with heart sincere and true-His will is all I choose.

I did not know the tools it took to mold me to His will

but as He worked, I tried to be obedient, calm and still.

It wasn't easy when I felt the chisel sharp and rough

Chip off the refuse from my heart- I cried, "Lord, that's enough!"

And then I felt the wheels go round to turn this pot of clay

In dizziness I cried, "O Lord! I can't stand this today!

Some other time perhaps I'll yield and let You work in me,

The chisel and the wheel are more than I can bear, You see!"

And then I heard His whisper sweet: "My all sufficient grace

Is yours each moment of the day until you see My face.

I never give you more, My child, then you can ably bear.Though harsh it seems and rough to you, My strength is always there! So if you want my will My child, and like Me want to be,

You'll have to yield to chisel sharp, to wheels that shapen thee.

you'll have to feel the furnace hot that tests you to behold

The vessel that I want of you-a thing of purest gold!"

And so my yielding heart cries out, "Yes, Lord, make me like Thee!

No matter what it takes, dear Lord, just work Thy work in me;

Make me a vessel pure and clear and likened to Thy Son,

That all the world may see and know Your work in me You've done!"

by Willa Mae Whitney