The Rough and Broken Road (Episode 2)

Hello All,

The part of the poem that we will be emphasising on today is highlighted in blue. The black colour text in the poem is a recap of what we have already done last week.

Let us now continue our journey with the second episode of this poem…

The Rough and Broken Road (Episode 2)

By Joanne Liaw Sook Ling (4^th September 2014)

The rough road that lies before me is uncertain

The future stays hidden; it’s veiled by a curtain

If only I could clearly see what lies ahead

But all my eyes perceive is a thick fog instead

I glanced behind at the broken road I’ve travelled

Painful wounds from the journey have left me shattered

‘Oh Lord, please give me endurance to carry on

Soothe my aching feet for the journey has been long’

‘Help me now to put the broken road behind me

Beyond the disappointments, lift my eyes to see

Your purpose in putting me through the trials and pain

For Your refining fire has brought me much gain’

‘Although I cannot see what lies ahead of me

I trust in Your love, providence and sovereignty

Jesus, may Your rod and staff lead me safely through

The darkest valleys when I know not what to do’

As I trudged along the rough and perilous road

My legs gave way; I fell under the heavy load

My eyes brimmed with tears of anguish and agony

I was too weary to continue this journey

‘Hey, are you alright?’ I heard a voice behind me

So I turned around and saw Geoffrey and Jinny

My friends were looking at me with concern and care

They said, ‘Tell us what’s wrong; let us your burden share’

So I unslung the bag from my aching shoulders

I said, ‘My burden has been getting heavier

With each passing day till I can take it no more

My poor hands and feet are bleeding, wounded and sore’

Jinny reached into her pouch and drew out a vial

‘This balm called, ‘prayer’, your wounds it will soothe and lull

Let us apply this salve on your feet and hands

Rest in the Lord till you are strong enough to stand’

TO BE CONTINUED…

Points for Reflection:

Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

(Galatians 6:2 ESV)

·        Have you been bearing your burdens, worries and struggles on your own?

·        Many times, we think we are strong, smart and capable enough to handle adversities on our own but we will eventually come to a breaking point at a certain stage in our lives.

·        Why don’t you pray for God to guide and lead you to a trustworthy brother or sister in Christ to confide your problems with and support you with heartfelt prayers?

·        Do you know of people who are bearing their burdens, worries and struggles on their own?

·        Have you been keeping them in prayer?

·        In what ways can you be reaching out and supporting your wounded fellow Christians?