" God laid upon my back a grievous load, A heavy cross to bear along the road. I staggered on, and lo! one weary day, An angry lion sprang across my way. I prayed to God, and swift at His command The cross became a weapon in my hand. It slew my raging enemy, and then Became a cross upon my back again. I reached a desert. O’er the burning track I persevered, the cross upon my back. No shade was there, and in the cruel sun I sank at last, and thought my days were done. But lo! the Lord works many a blest surprise— The cross became a tree before my eyes! I slept; I woke, to feel the strength of ten. I found the cross upon my back again. And thus through all my days from then to this, The cross, my burden, has become my bliss. Nor ever shall I lay the burden down, For God someday will make the cross a crown! AMOS R. WELLS "

― Mrs. Charles E. Cowman , Streams in the Desert Morning and Evening: 365 Devotions