He calls His own sheep by name, and He leads them out.
John 10:3
Words & Music: George A. Young, 1903 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Young (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Around 1942, Haldor Lillenas decided to track down George Young’s widow and find out more. He got an address in a small town and, driving there, he stopped at a gas station to ask for directions.
When the attendant saw the address, he said,
Why sir, that’s the County Poor House, up the road about three miles. And mister, when I say poor house, I really mean poor house!Not knowing what to expect, Lillenas made his way there. He found Mrs. Young, a tiny, elderly woman, in surroundings that were far from congenial.
However, she radiated the joy of the Lord, and spoke of how He’d guided her and her husband over many years.
Then, she exclaimed,
Dr. Lillenas, God led me here! I’m so glad He did, for you know, about every month someone comes into this place to spend the rest of their days…
So many of them don’t know my Jesus. I’m having the time of my life introducing them to Jesus! Dr. Lillenas, isn’t it wonderful how God leads!
In shady, green pastures,
So rich and so sweet,
God leads His dear children along;
Where the water’s cool flow
Bathes the weary one’s feet,
God leads His dear children along.
Refrain
Some through the waters,
Some through the flood,
Some through the fire,
But all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow,
But God gives a song,
In the night season
And all the day long.
Sometimes on the mount
Where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear children along;
Sometimes in the valley,
In darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.
Refrain
Though sorrows befall us
And evils oppose,
God leads His dear children along;
Through grace we can conquer,
Defeat all our foes,
God leads His dear children along.
Refrain
Away from the mire,
And away from the clay,
God leads His dear children along;
Away up in glory, eternity’s day,
God leads His dear children along.
Refrain