Once it was the blessing, Now it is the Lord;
Once it was the feeling, Now it is His Word.
Once His gifts I wanted, Now the Giver own;
Once I sought for healing, Now Himself alone.
Once was painful trying, Now is perfect trust;
Once a half salvation, Now the uttermost.
Once was ceaseless holding, Now He holds me fast;
Once was constant drifting, Now my anchor’s cast.
Once was busy planning, Now is trustful prayer;
Once was anxious caring, Now He has the care.
Once was what I wanted, Now what Jesus says;
Once was constant asking, Now is ceaseless praise.
Once it was my working, His it hence shall be;
Once I tried to use Him, Now He uses me.
Once the power I wanted, Now the Mighty One;
Once for self I labored, Now for Him alone.
Once I hoped in Jesus, Now I know He’s mine;
Once my lamps were dying, Now they brightly shine.
Once for death I waited, Now His coming hail;
And my hopes are anchored, Safe within the veil.
All in all forever, Jesus will I sing!
Everything in Jesus, and Jesus everything!
~ A. B. Simpson
In The Hands of the Refiner 