eHymns.org

Unknown

Hans George Naegeli

Alvin (Bud) Herman Manz in 2024

Waiting is to be our earthly schooling
Which here with our first breath takes its start,
Never ending till by God's own ruling
Our faint spirit shall in peace depart.

Waiting was the lot of all God's servants:
Joseph, David, Abraham and all
Who in service were found true and fervent,
And whom God unto great deeds did call.

He Himself, the crown of all creation,
Once in darkest workshop was prepared;
Gloomy nights preceded exaltation;
After suff'ring, heaven's bliss was shared.

See the husbandman, his seed now strewing
On the earthly field in hope and fear,
In God's promise still his trust renewing,
Till spring sunshine makes the sprouts appear.

Few fruits ripen from the spring-time sunshine;
Not till autumn is abundance shown;
Without waiting we ne'er feel the rapture
Of a precious, bounteous harvest grown.

God oft gave beyond all expectation
More than heart had wished for to behold;
Should not this give us new inspiration
To await what His word has foretold?

Ne'er a word of God was uttered vainly,
Although its fulfillment seemed afar;
Noble things take time, though promised plainly;
And the very best we find in God.

Battle bravely tow'rd that destination,
Though the night of waiting now enfold;
Other brethren bore yet more privation,
Yet through conflict, vict'ry did behold.

Vict'ry shalt thou win through fiery trials
Pure and in the likeness of thy Lord;
Worthy to partake of joyful blessings,
Therefore wait now for that great reward.

Waiting, hoping here in darkest silence,
Leads us to that future happiness;
Waiting, trusting oft with fear and trembling
Brings glad tiding of eternal bliss.