When life with all of its troubles and cares,

Seems to be almost more than I can bear,

I think about what my dear Saviour did for me;

Dying alone upon the cross of Calvary.

I can’t begin to imagine the pain and agony

He suffered as they nailed Him to that tree

And placed that crown of thorns upon His dear head,

It should have been me, but He died in my stead.

Yes, my Saviour bore all man’s sin,

A truer friend there has never been.

All this He did that I might live,

What more could anyone ever give?

He died that we need not forever part.

He suffered and died from a broken heart.

Another day of life there would not be,

If my dear Saviour had not died for me.

All the heartaches and trials that come my way,

Are to teach me as I journey on each day.

My Saviour knows what needs to be,

To develop His perfect character in me.

When I’m tempted to murmur and complain,

I think of Heaven where there’ll be no pain.

Someday I’ll trade all the burdens I bear,

For a crown of glory and a mansion there!

He gives me the strength I need each day to live,

His patience and endurance He will freely give.

So, when I am feeling weary from life’s well-doing,

God reminds me, I’m His precious stone He is hewing!

—Martha Franks, Virginia, USA