Have Thine own way, Lord

One of my favorite quite time dedication hymns. Once again surrending to the ways and plans of God till the whole world see Christ.

As I was praying for family members this morning, a few lyrics from this old hymn came to mind. I had forgotten many of the words, so quickly looked them up online, and was so blessed to reconnect with this wonderful hymn of surrender that I learned as a child, growing up in the church.

I was equally moved and inspired by reading the comments of many others, from all over the world, whom the Lord has spoken to through bringing this song to mind during their own times of quiet reflection and prayer.

I am so thankful for a faithful God who meets us so personally where we're at, in the muck and mire of life's challenges, and reminds us that our ONLY hope is found in complete surrender of every part of our lives to His gracious, sovereign hand. Thank You Jesus, for caring so so deeply!

I sang this song in church as a young girl. In my time with the Lord, sensing His presence, so near this morning, I remembered the song again. It is so personal and intimate. It is so my prayer that I would be filled with God’s spirit until I can see Christ only always living in me.

What an amazing hymn. Very uplifting and inspirational.

This song was on my heart this morning and I needed to sing every verse and write them all in my journal. Thank you Lord God almighty for saving me, keeping me, & blessing me. Mold me and make me after thy will while I am waiting yielded and still. In Jesus name, Amen.

I sang this song many times growing up in a Christian school. 10 years back (2013) meditated on this song in my quiet time. I happened to open this in my hymnal (in Telugu translation) when my heart is filled with Africa and potential onboarding of missionaries and opening work in Ivory Coast. What touched my heart again is that Sister Adelaide wrote this when she wanted to go to Africa and could not raise funds to go.

This most-loved hymn was written by Adelaide Addison Pollard born November 27, 1862, Bloomfield, Iowa—her birth name was Sarah Addison Pollard. She died December 20, 1934, New York City and was buried in Elmwood Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa.

Author of over 100 hymns and gospel songs, Pollard was educated in Denmark, Iowa; Valparaiso, Indiana; at the Boston School of Oratory and the Moody Bible Institute, Chicago Illinois.

She taught in Chicago, and at the Christian and Missionary Alliance Training School in

New York. Adelaide worked for a while with evangelist John Alexander Dewey, and also in Africa leaving for Scotland after World War I began. She later returned to New York. A short excerpt from her story reads as follows:

“A 72 year old Miss Adelaide was in route from New York City home to a New Jersey town during the Christmas holidays in 1934 where she was to hold some religious meetings, she became critically ill in New York City railroad station. She was rushed to a nearby YWCA home where she died shortly thereafter, death being attributed to a ruptured appendix.”

(Emurian pp. 36–40)

The music for Miss Adelaide’s memorable text was composed by George Coles Stebbins. He was born February 26, 1846, East Carlton, New York. Died October 6, 1945, Catskill, New York and was buried at Maple Grove Cemetery, Kew Gardens, Queens, New York.

George was the son of William Vanness Stebbins and Teresa Warren. He was married to Alma Miller, and father of George Waring Stebbins who studied music in Paris and became an organist playing for various churches in New York in 1893.

Stebbins studied music in Buffalo and Rochester New York, then became a singing teacher.

Around 1869, he moved to Chicago, Illinois to join the Lyon and Healy Musc Company. He became the music Director at the first Baptist Church in Chicago, and it was in Chicago he would meet leaders in the Gospel music fields such as Jorge Root, Philip Bliss and Ira Sankey. At age 28 Stebbins moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he became music Director at the Claridon St. Baptist Church. The pastor there was Adoriam Gordon. Two years later, George became music Director at Tremont Temple in Boston. Shortly thereafter, Stebbins became involved in evangelism campaigns with Dwight Moody and others. Around 1900, he spent a year as an evangelist in India, Egypt, Italy, Palestine, France and England.

I have committed my hands works and plan shall be established

Lucille sang this song to me, at my kitchen table. One of the lowest most rebellious times of my life. Giving me hope that God still loved me and would forgive me . It was a few months and I repented and Jesus has never forsaken me. He is the Potter and I am the clay. This was over 40 yrs. ago , I love Him and want to serve Him till I see Him face to face. Lucille has been with Him for years. ❤️🙏🏼❤️

This a song from my youth. I loved the melody, but didn't really understand the meaning until about 30 years ago, I am now 62. What joy to know that I am a masterpiece and uniquely made by The Potter, God, our Father. Surrendered and still being shaped for every season of my life.