Clement of Alexandria
Psalm 22. I am poured out like water.
My life is an offering to God. I give of those things which are close to my heart, because he first poured out himself, giving himself for me.
I pray, "God give me strength," and he gives me opportunities to exercise my weakness.
I pray, "God give me patience," and he sends me situations that try it.
I pray, "God, help me to be loving," and he sends me one who is hard to love.
For the gifts of the Spirit must be exercised if they are to grow: as muscles must be trained, as the mind must be educated.
Strength is an act of will, as are love, patience, charity, and the rest.
When I come to the end of my own strength, patience, and love, I have come also to the end of my own will, and there in the empty place God is waiting for me. "You have given your own strength," he says, "but now you shall give mine. You have loved with your own heart: love now with mine."
Until I am emptied of myself, of my own will, God cannot fill me; for he can give only to those who have made room for him in their souls.
My will is not my own Till thou hast made it thine; If I would reach a monarch's throne, I must my crown resign. -George Matheson
When I come to the end of my own strength, patience, and love, I have come also to the end of my own will, and there in the empty place God is waiting for me. "You have given your own strength," he says, "but now you shall give mine. You have loved with your own heart: love now with mine."
Until I am emptied of myself, of my own will, God cannot fill me; for he can give only to those who have made room for him in their souls.
My will is not my own Till thou hast made it thine; If I would reach a monarch's throne, I must my crown resign. -George Matheson
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