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

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