CCC Gainesville | Blog
A few weeks ago in a sermon I mentioned a story of a Texas QB whose worst day was his best day. The point was that God can be mightily at work during times when we feel the most “down”. Stephen Addcox told me the principle of God working in our darkness reminded him of a poem by Milton. Then he (Stephen, not Milton) sent me this:
From a very young age John Milton was convinced that he would one day write a
great epic poem. He was mostly involved in politics until he went
blind, and as you can imagine, it’s not easy to write in 17th c.
England when you’re completely blind. Ultimately he composed the
entirety of Paradise Lost in sections that he would memorize and then
recite to a transcriptionist. But before that he despaired that God
had robbed him of the opportunity for greatness; this poem is an
expression of his doubt and struggle with his blindness.
Patience here is personified as a voice speaking to Milton’s
distress.
“On his blindness”
When I consider how my light is spent,
Ere half my days in this dark world and wide,
And that one talent which is death to hide
Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent
To serve therewith my Maker, and present
My true account, lest He returning chide,
‘Doth God exact day-labour, light denied?’
I fondly ask. But patience, to prevent
That murmur, soon replies, ‘God doth not need
Either man’s work or his own gifts. Who best
Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best. His state
Is kingly: thousands at his bidding speed,
And post o’er land and ocean without rest;
They also serve who only stand and wait.’
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