What If

"We must through many tribulations
enter the kingdom of God."
~ Acts 14:22 (NKJV)

Indeed, all who want to live a godly life
in union with Christ Jesus
will be persecuted.
~ 2 Timothy 3:12 (ISV)

And who is sufficient for these things?
~ 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 (NKJV)

← ↓ → . ← ↓ → . ← ↓ →

You, Lord, see.

The flaming arrows.
The rivers of waters.
The cost.

You, Lord, know the truth.

You know I bless Your name.
You know my will is to walk in Your ways.
You know my ailing heart is steadfast.

You, Lord, see my frailty falter.

How long, Lord?
How far, Lord?
How much, Lord?

You, Lord, hear my plea before I form it.

I said I can last no longer, go no farther, offer no more.
I confessed to seeing no way through.
I admitted my fear to go deeper.

What if the only way through is to go deeper?

(a question gentler than an answer)

I affirm, Lord, my trust in You.
I follow, Lord, where You lead.
I cling, Lord, to You alone.

^/\^ ~≈~ ^/\^ ~≈~ ^/\^ ~≈~ ^/\^

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
For I am the LORD your God,
The Holy One of Israel, your Savior.
~ Isaiah 43:2-3 (NKJV)

"Be strong and of good courage,
do not fear nor be afraid of them;
for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you.
He will not leave you nor forsake you."
~ Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)

The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears,
And delivers them out of all their troubles.
The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart,
And saves such as have a contrite spirit.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
~ Psalm 34:17-19 (NKJV)