My tears and pain I lift up as an offering – Andrew Brunson

Andrew Brunson gave his Testimony at CIU on Oct 3rd (link posted at the end). He was a missionary in Turkey imprisoned for two years. He shared his struggles and lessons he has learned very openly.

For some reason, it resonated with me. Brunson is calling us to fear God, to be trained for times of suffering, to pursue Jesus eagerly even amid painful situations, and to persevere in God’s calling. Sometimes, following Christ can feel lonely. Painful. Wasted. Bitter. But we are reminded that Jesus is worthy of our all.

At the end of his first year in prison – not knowing what would happen to him, Andrew Brunson wrote a song. It took him a year to be able to sing again. God seemed to have abandoned him. But this song Brunson sang every day for the rest of his time in prison. Powerful. Encouraging. Challenging.

“You are worthy, worthy of my all
My tears and pain I lift up as an offering
Teach me to share in the fellowship of your suffering
Lamb of God, you are worthy of my all

You are worthy, worthy of my all
My tears and pain I lift up as an offering
Teach me to share in the fellowship of your suffering
Lamb of God, you are worthy of my all

You are worthy, worthy of my all
Adopted as a son, a brother to my King
Indeed I will share in your glory if I share your suffering
Jesus, you are worthy of my all

You are worthy, worthy of my all
But my heart faints, drowned in sorrow, overwhelmed
Make me like you, cross-bearer, persevering, faithful to the end
To stand the trial and receive the crown of life

You are worthy, worthy of my all
This is my declaration in the darkest hour
Jesus, the Faithful One who loves me, always good and true
You made me yours, you are worthy of my all

I want to be found worthy to stand before you on that day
With no regrets from cowardice, things left undone
To hear you say, “Well done, my faithful friend, now enter your reward”
Jesus, my joy, you are the prize I’m running for

You are worthy, worthy of my all
You are worthy, worthy of my all
What can I give to the Son of God, who gave himself for me
Here I am, you are worthy of my all”