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Through The Storms
I did not know His love before, the way I know it now. I could not see my need for Him, my pride would not allow.
I had it all, without a care, the "Self-sufficient" lie. My path was smooth, my sea was still, not a cloud was in my sky.
I thought I knew His love for me, I thought I'd seen His grace, I thought I did not need to grow, I thought I'd found my place.
But then the way grew rough and dark, the storm clouds quickly rolled; the waves began to rock my ship, my anchor would not hold.

The ship that I had built myself was made of foolish pride; it fell apart and left me bare, with nowhere else to hide.
I had no strength or faith to face the trials that lay ahead, and so I simply prayed to Him and bowed my weary head.
His loving arms enveloped me, and then He helped me stand. He said, "You still must face this storm, but I will hold your hand."
So through the dark and lonely night He guided me through pain; I could not see the light of day or when the storm might wane.

Yet through the aches and endless tears, my faith began to grow...I could not see it at the time, but my light began to glow.
I saw God's love in brand new light, His grace and mercy, too;for only when all self was gone could Jesus' love shine through.
It was not easy in the storm, I sometimes wondered, "Why?" At times I thought, "I can't go on." I'd hurt, and doubt, and cry.
But Jesus never left my side, He guided me each day. Through pain and strife, through fire and flood, He helped me all the way.

And now I see as never before how great His love can be. How in my weakness He is strong, how Jesus cares for me!
He worked it all out for my good, although the way was rough...He only sent what I could bear, and then He cried, "Enough!"
He raised His hand and said, "Be still!" He made the storm clouds cease; He opened up the gates of joy and flooded me with peace.
I saw His face now clearer still, I felt His presence strong, I found anew His faithfulness, He never did me wrong.

Now I know more storms will come, but only for my good, For pain and tears have helped me grow as naught else ever could.
I still have so much more to learn as Jesus works in me; If in the storm I'll love Him more, that's where I want to be!

The darkness of this world desires to wear you down and pull
you away from your relationship with Christ.

When Jesus looks upon my life, What picture does He see?
Does He see His own reflection, Or does He just see me?

Does He see His likeness, The product of His hand.
Or just another Christian, Who never took a stand?

Does He see a child of God, A child that He made free?
Living life to honor Him, Or does He just see me?
What about the other folks, I meet along the way.
Do I show them Jesus, To brighten up their day?

When someone looks into my eyes, Can they truly see.
That calm and gentle peace of God, That dwells inside of me?
When I reach out and shake a hand, Is He right there in my grip? Can they feel that strength from God, That steadies when I slip?

When folks are in my presence, Do they know His Spirit's there? Can they see that He's the one, Who guides me everywhere?
When other people think of me, What is on their mind?
Do they think of Jesus Christ, So gentle and so kind?

I try to be like Jesus, Every single day.
Spreading love and kindness, All along my way.
I'm afraid that I have failed, I could not pass the test.
Deep inside my heart I know, I haven't done my best.
I have had to fight my flesh, Since the day that I was born.

It's always causing trouble, And being such a thorn.
That's why His Spirit dwells in me, He's helping me to learn. In every situation, Where I need to turn.

He knew I'd never pass the test, That's why He took my place. He gave His life to save my soul, He suffered my disgrace.

Now I try to be like Him, I must present Him well.
So other folks will want His gift, And turn their backs on hell.

Other folks should see the joy, That Christ has given me.
They should want to have it too, Especially since it's free.

They should begin to ask me, What is it they must do.
Just how it is they go about, Getting Jesus too.

Then I get to tell them, This wondrous gift is free.
It only takes a humble heart, A prayer on bended knee.

Someday when I'm face to face, With the Lord who made me free. Will He see His own reflection, Or will He just see me?
Written By:Chick Velasco©2000