Week Four - I Will Not Doubt

I've been studying the book of James in preparation for teaching the ladies' group here at church, and I wanted to share with you a poem I'll be sharing in the first lesson. I came across it when I was using Streams in the Desert as my devotional many years ago. It so spoke to my heart that I made a copy and keep it taped to the inside flap of my Bible. I hope it will be a blessing to you.

I will not doubt, though all my ships at sea
Come drifting home with broken masts and sails;
I will believe the Hand which never fails,
From seeming evil worketh good for me.
And though I weep because those sails are tattered,
Still will I cry, while my best hopes lie shattered:
'I trust in Thee.'

I will not doubt, though all my prayers return
Unanswered from the still, white realm above;
I will believe it is an all-wise love
Which has refused these things for which I yearn;
And though at times I cannot keep from grieving,
Yet the pure ardor of my fixed believing
Undimmed shall burn.

I will not doubt, though sorrows fall like rain,
And troubles swarm like bees about a hive.
I will believe the heights for which I strive
Are only reached by anguish and by pain,
And though I groan and writhe beneath my crosses.
I yet shall see through my severest losses
The greater gain.

I will not doubt. Well anchored is this faith,
Like some staunch ship, my soul braves every gale;
So strong its courage that it will not quail
To breast the mighty unknown sea of death
Oh, may I cry, though body parts with spirit,
'I do not doubt,' so listening worlds may hear it,
With my last breath.

Friend, as the day approaches, let's not be doubters but be grounded in faith with our hearts fixed solidly on Christ.