Being out of circulation, from my foot surgery, has allowed me some wonderful time to reflect on God's word. I was up late last night reading in Galatians chapter 5. When I came to verse 22, "the fruit of the Spirit". I noticed that fruit is singular - "the FRUIT of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control..." This inspired the following poem, I pray that it's an encouragement to you in some way.

THAT THE WORLD WOULD SEE

May I abide in You bearing Your fruit, that the world will see
I belong to thee.
My heart I surrender unto You,
Trusting in the knowledge that You know what to do.

You see far beyond my understanding ways,
I have faith in You, Lord, You created my days.
I surrender all to You my sweet Lord and Savior,
Resting in the knowledge You did it all and I can do You no favor.

Love, joy, peace - You give to me so freely,
Longsuffering, kindness, goodness - from You I rely on completely.
Faithfulness, gentleness and self-control,
Would be but mere wishes if You weren't Lord of my soul.

For You are the Vine and I a mere branch,
Thank you Lord, for my life in You is no chance.
You knitted me in my mothers womb and knew of me before,
To You I surrender my all in all my Lord and Savior.

Thank you for the spiritual gifts you freely gave to me,
Encouragement and discernment are a couple I can see.
Lord to You I surrender my self for use of them,
May I always be diligent to use them as a gem.

Carefully and lovingly under the care of Your Holy Hands,
For You will I choose to do - yes - perfect are Your plans.
You are LORD of all and we will never understand,
For Your ways are not our ways so how can we guess Your plan?

Perfect, loving Creator - please give us ears to hear and eyes to see,
That with God in control - from Satan we're set free.

April Correia
© 1998 Encouragement From The Heart

All praise and glory to You, LORD!