Promised Strength

Promised Strength

"One day when my burden seemed greater
  Than my body and spirit could bear,
Weighed down by the load, I faltered
  Beneath my sorrow and care.

And I cried to the heedless silence,
  As I walked where I could not see,
'Where is the strength that is promised?
  Where is the strength for me?

And, suddenly, out of the silence,
  A Voice came clear and true,
'My child, you are striving to carry
  A burden not meant for you;

And the thought of the years outstretching
  Before you, has darkened the way;
While the only strength I have promised
  Is the sure strength day by day.'

I took one step—and I found it
  Quite easy, indeed, to take;
And the burden slid from my shoulders;
  And my heart that was ready to break

Gave thanks that my eyes were opened;
  And my shoulders were eased of their load,
As I saw, step by step, I was strengthened,
  To walk on the roughest road!"

—Grace Noll Crowell