Rough Edges: When whip and thorns show up again!

Rough edges are there to smoothen me,
Pointed ones to poke me deep.
They exist in my life to remind me
Of the distance I must tread to be good.

Don't I know I'm God's work in progress,
Becoming like the Maker, more or less?
These are tools my Maker uses
To chip off parts not in His plan.

Holy will I be if I permit and do not resist,
Redeemed be my heart, bit by bit,
Purifying me in the furnace of love,
Until He sees His face shine in mine.

Thank You, Lord, for the many gifts given
That make me sad but make me wise.
They purge my still-ungodly side
To abide totally as a branch in the vine.

Pain and suffering are there to spare me
From the surging fires of the purging pyre.
Love cannot hate, so I'm never alone;
Always by me is the Shepherd so good.

Your chastisement is a sweet medicine
That makes me chaste and cleanses sin.
Never let me forget Your care and desire
When Your whip and thorns show up again.