The Journey

A poem about where life takes us...

Hello Friends,

Today I thought of this poem I wrote way back in the 90s but that still speaks to me every time I read it. Difficult times are just that—difficult. No one asks for them. I certainly would not choose the hard things. Neither would I trade what the Lord has taught me about Himself to go back to what I was before each trial. It is good to remember He never wastes trials nor trivializes pain. He will always bring about good somehow, someway, sometime. May you feel His arms carrying you on your journey as you watch expectantly for His good works.

“But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” —Micah 7:7 NASB1995

Ten years ago, I added a stanza, and today I edited it a little and added two stanzas. Now I think it is finished . . . until the next time.

Enjoy!

Janice

The Journey
The path of life has taken a turn
Down a trail unclear;
Every step a frightening one
But for the Voice I hear.

This isn’t how I had it planned;
I thought I knew what was best.
I would have sent me some other way,
A place where I could rest.

Instead, God held my hands in His
And from my whitened knuckles
Took away the map I’d drawn
And I felt my great faith buckle.

Oh, how sadness gripped my heart
When I saw what I had done,
For I had selfishly decided
How my race would be won.

So through the thorns and underbrush
My Lord led me instead;
To teach me how to really yield
With my heart, not just my head.

To learn to listen carefully
And heed every word He speaks;
Not just pick and choose the ones
I think I’d like to keep.

Now I anxiously look about
As I face this unknown day;
But He says to me, “Peace, be still—
I’ve already been this way.

“I’ll show you that the turn you took
Was already written in my Book;
And that your load I’m able to bear
Or I wouldn’t have led you there.

“My desire is to complete My plans
I’ve had right from the start;
To hold you in My loving hands
And shape your willful heart.

“I can use your trials in My plan
If you’ll allow Me to carry you
And teach you what I’d have you learn
By what you’re going through.

“Not only will you learn to trust
That I always do what’s best
But others will be watching how
I grow you through each test.

“For all the souls along this path
Who wander through their days
In confusion, pain, and heartache—
You must show them I am The Way.

“You’ll learn as we go that I truly do know
What is best for you, dear one;
And you’ll see your great reward
When the race you’ve finally won.

“When, at last, you leave this path
Of trouble, pain, and tears,
And enter into Glory,
Looking back on all the years—

“Coming up behind you,
Standing tall, redeemed, and true,
Are all the lives that enter there
Just because of you.

“You’ll look behind you, faithful child,
At the others who witnessed your faith,
And we will celebrate their victory
Right there at heaven’s gate.”

—Janice Powell, Updated 2023