It Matters to Me About You

“In the early part of 1982 I had exhausted every effort to find a much needed job. I felt like giving up. Many of my friends were getting jobs left and right. But it seemed I just could not land that position I wanted. Yes, I wanted a position instead of a job. I had recently given my life to the Lord. As a ‘born again’ believer I felt wherever I worked would morph into ministry for my Lord and King.

Sitting on a park bench sulking and feeling sorry for myself, I noticed the wind picking up a bit and a piece of paper flying around from the air to the concrete and back again.  Something inside of me propelled me out off the bench to chase down the paper. I don’t normally chase trash blowing in the wind. But this time I made an exception. When I caught the paper I was surprise to see it to be a tract.

Noteworthy, that same week I went searching for work. At the end of the day, while heading home, a stranger came to me. I was offered a position at one of the most luxurious places in the city. God had placed me in service to heads of states, foreign and domestic to be a light and a witness of His love.  I waited on God and He gave me a position that surpassed that of my peers, in every way. Below is the content of that tract. (nearly 40 years later and I still have the original tract).”  Click on image to see actual tract:                                                          The Tract of the Matter                                                   

My Child, I know thy sorrows, Thine every grief I share;
I know how thou art tested,
And, what is more – I care.

Think not I am indifferent
To what affecteth thee;
Thy weal and woe are matters
Of deep concern to Me.

But, child, I have a purpose
In all that I allow;
I ask thee then to trust Me,
Though all seems dark just now. 

How often thou hast asked Me
To purge away thy dross!
But this refining process
Involves for thee – a cross.

There is no other pathway
If thou would’st really be
Conformed unto the image
Of Him Who died for thee.

 

Thou can’st not be like Jesus
Till self is crucified;
And as a daily process
The cross must be applied.

Just as the skillful gardener
Applies the pruning knife,
E’en so, I too would sever
The worthless from thy life.

I have but one sole object –
That thou should’st fruitful be!
And is it not thy longing
That I much fruit should see?

 

Then shrink not from the training
I needs must give to thee;
I know just how to make thee. What I would have thee be.

Remember that I love thee!
Think not I am unkind,
When trials come to prove thee,
And joy seems left behind.

‘Tis but a little longer
Until I come again;
What now seems so mysterious
Will all be then made plain.

Take courage then; and fear not!
Press forward to the prize,
A crown of life awaits thee,
Glory before thee lies!

–Alice C. Lefroy

Luke 12:6-7 King James Version (KJV)

⁶ Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

⁷ But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

same as “My Story” author

Photo by eberhard grossgasteiger on Unsplash