I read of Paul’s testimony given in defense.

Proving his theology, while giving no offence.

A powerful argument. that nobody can refute.

A life that proves the theology, nobody can dispute.

A life transformed, from doing what was right.

Discovering not good enough, not in God’s sight.

Everything he believed was totally stripped away.

Confronted by a risen Christ, he now recalls the day.

What devastation, all his efforts had been in vain.

Determined to do God’s work, instead had caused him pain.

From that day on this man really had no doubt.

It’s by God’s gift alone, that our salvation comes about.

Our efforts to win God’s favour dispute this very claim.

Pride would tell us otherwise, instead it leads to shame.

This truth so easy to forget, as Christians we often will distort.

God’s blessing deserved, with all those ticks on our report.

My testimony tells like Paul’s, something I cannot deny.

Confronted with my total failure, and crying out a why?

The risen Christ turned up, my failure now did not seem the same.

Instead I looked and saw his success, was now mine to claim.

Each one of us have had God turn up in a special way.

So transforming our lives, that ever since that day.

When people suggest , obey some rule, then God will bless.

No! God showed up when we were failures, we have to confess.

Had “leaned on our own understanding” to control my fate.

Now ” in all ways acknowledging him, he made my paths straight”

No longer “wise in my own eyes” yet so wanting to obey.

Somehow all my troubles are no big deal, I have to say.

How blessed I feel, others see and sometimes ask why.

The answer, my confidence is only in Jesus I need rely.

They cannot then refute the life I live out every day.

May Christ reveal himself to them that very same way.

Asaw Miller

Was a busy day, much on my mind.

This order so simple, easy to find.

Kept reminding myself, the longs , but too late.

How foolish, suddenly realised, made a mistake.

Now used up all the timber that could be had.

Oh such a fool, in fact, it made me real mad.

Often I set out feeling I am sure that I can.

The opportunity there,  I have a good plan.

Then realise missed out, need to prioritise.

What a fool, it’s all gone, I then realise.

Maybe another chance, I am sure I will heed.

Just slows up the process of try to succeed?

Yet too often it happens I have to confess.

Could it destroy the chances of any success?

posted Asaw Miller

I watched and saw this person choose a long walk,

Given up all hope, in good preaching and talk.

The challenge daunting , they knew that for sure.

Is this their only path, for a true long term cure?

Freedom to meet each challenge, face to face.

Freedom to struggle, at just their own pace.

To prove to themselves, they have what it it takes.

Perhaps to prove to others, and for their sakes.

No end in sight, just a far off long  distant goal.

Knew in their hearts it would be good for their soul.

Desert heat, snakes or wolves, never the real foe.

Nor mountains and forest, blizzard and the cold snow.

The hard knocks in life can lead to all sorts of bad stuff.

Feeling so defeated…..need to prove, I am good enough.

I must see and prove to myself, they again have to ask.

Will I falter and fail? Can I succeed? Am I up to the task?

In some ways would rather have comfort and care.

Be loved, not alone, my troubles with another to share.

Yet to meet this challenge, to overcome in their own way.

Te celebrate another victory, after each long daunting day.

Tired and worn out but knowing, somewhat success.

Even when not where hoped, they have to confess.

Facing mountains, snow, and desert heat.

Forest and snakes, yet not knowing defeat.

Occasionally see other lone travelers too.

Encouraging each others, with how do you do?

Then bid farewell to each other, God speed.

Each knowing this struggle is meeting a need.

Now certain on this narrow path I call mine.

Victory will be won, another day in sunshine.

Stronger yes stronger becoming each day.

Seems easier now to choose the right way.

Then again another big obstacle to face.

Weakness challenged again in this place.

To face the test of resolve once again.

Struggle alone, no one to share or blame.

Each person has their own challenges to bear.

Stories of heroes surviving disasters you hear.

Jacob, Joseph, Moses and David all overcame.

Mother Teresa, Ghandi, Mandella, did just the same

Great men of the past had to often struggle alone.

Never to give in with just a wimper or a big moan.

To pass life’s big test?  Or to fail and then lose?

To stand strong in this path that you did choose.

Not expecting acclaim or applause from others you see.

To overcome can be selfish, really it is only for me.

For it is then I will know I am a resolute man.

Can overcome and be strong, in my life’s plan.

So when difficulties come, and again put to the test.

More confident to now stand to show them your best.

Those who choose this narrow path are often so few.

Yet proven in trial and test they boldly come through.

To know of our frailty when the big  storms do come in,

Yet strong, knowing, against all odds, we surely can win.

By Asaw Miller