The hands of the God who saves
may seem terribly harsh
when He disciplines us
and His correction appears severe.

1
In our fear, when trials come,
we may say, “I cannot bear this anymore.”
But in the end, we will discover
that the Lord of all the earth
is full of compassion and mercy.

2
Though pain may seem completely unbearable,
and the stones cry out against the blows,
the Master Craftsman is shaping them,
cutting and preparing them
so they will fit perfectly into His temple.

3
Though I may seem like nothing more
than a shapeless, worthless stone,
the Craftsman is shaping me
into something beautiful and fitting for His temple,
so that I may endure forever.

4
His people may lie like grain
under the feet of those who crush them;
yet through the season of suffering,
He brings forth precious stones
that shine like gold.

5
When crushed under pressure,
the grape produces rich and beautiful wine.
So, if God allows me, a mortal person,
to be pressed and broken,
He can bring forth good fruit from my life.

6
Even if I am placed in a furnace
heated seven times hotter,
all the impurities will be burned away,
and I will become like pure gold.
O God, Your discipline is just,
and Your ways are true.