Pain

Stretched beyond words but still held on.
The pain indeed made me strong.
Beat the flesh numerous times.
I could have sworn it was a crime.
My God, my strength, I surrender my will to You.
I'm grateful for the things I go through.
If You don't put me through the fire
I know I'll lose that contagious desire.
If You don't allow pain
I'll never see the rainbow after the rain.
What would I be, honestly, if I settled for smoke?
Oh wait, I know. Nothing but a joke.