These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

When Success Starts as Failure

Paul lost his sight before his way was shown.
The rest of his life for his writing was known.
Christ's Church through his writings, now greatly has grown,
but once he was selfish old Saul.

Patrick lived a bondage day,
a slave in Ireland, so they say,
until God changed his heart and way.
his Lord of life-giving call.

In Freedom miles and years then changed.
The days he walked God rearranged.
He taught of Christ, Who sins exchanged
for a life of lasting bliss.

He helped his Irish friends receive
New Life in Christ, His Word believe.
Their hearts be knit to Him and cleave,
Success defined as this.

We all have days, that seem as loss.
The good we do can't mount the cost.
We wonder at our heavy cross.
Can God be pleased with us?

But He, Who weaves the tapestry
will bring success His child to free,
and when He's through full liberty
will banish night and dusk.

Success He gives to all, who hear
Salvation's Call within heart's ear.
These days of life are ever clear
in Time and evermore.

Our "Yes!" today receives His Gift
the defeat of His cross He used to lift
the blame of Sin on Him to shift
for He is God's Great door.
(John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10,13)

by Jay O'Toole
on March 17th, 2021