Paul prayed; he lifted up his heart in faith
To the true God, whom he had come to know,
The God whose goodness called him from his dream
Of hatred in religion's name to serve
The very Christ whom he had so despised.
He prayed that there might be removed from him
The thorn which seemed a torment to his flesh,
Not for mere selfish ease, but that he might
Give surer proof of his discipleship.
Though learning in some measure to exchange
Mistaken zeal for true humility,
Relinquishing his pride of birth and creed
To share their lot who suffered for Truth's sake,
Yet even this did not prove quite enough.
More of Christ's nature he must yet put on
Before deliverance could be brought to him.
And so he prayed for healing and for light.
And let none think that when the answer came
The grudging flow of good was but enough
To help him bear his cross more patiently.
Desire for healing is a righteous prayer,
And righteous prayer receives its full reward;
And so God, answering, revealed to him
The thing he lacked, the gift which was alone
Sufficient for his healing—growth in grace.
It is of less importance to our faith
To know if Paul attained the mental height
Required for his healing than to know
That now he saw the steps which he must take
To reach that healing, and was satisfied.
And what of you who follow Christ today?
Do you walk joyously, or has your faith
Grown feeble under evil's bold attack?
Do you believe that it is vain to plead
For more than patience to endure the ill,
Since, though you've struggled ceaselessly to break
Its cruel bondage, still the thorn remains?
Then rouse yourself from such disloyal fears:
God's work is done, and well—the blessing waits.
Take heart from Paul's experience, and, like him,
Discern that Mind's pure purpose only waits
Your fitness to receive the good you seek;
Each ready heart can prove Love's promise true
And gain deliverance through growth in grace.
