“Then Jesus said to the twelve, ‘Do you also want to go away?’” John 6:67
Twenty-three years ago, a great Light from above shined upon me. Since that moment, it has brought a deep and abiding peace to a once restless and overburdened heart. After decades of prayerful studies and journeying through the sacred pages of Scripture, I lift my voice and say with high conviction: Though many have strayed, I remain, and shall not wander.
Such peace and assurance came through one simple, yet profoundly difficult, act of surrender. In fact, it required nothing more than placing my trust in the Creator whose ways are above my own understanding. Every loss, every wound, and every victory now rests at His feet.
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.” Job 13:15
The burdens we carry are many. None of us escapes the reality of a fallen world, heavy laden with pride, envy, greed, lust, low self-worth and loss. These are just a few of the pathways the enemy of souls uses to rob us of that pure and quiet surrender. Many search for answers to questions long settled. They seek serenity, but lean on their own strength and intellect rather than on the One who can carry the heaviest of loads and speaks peace to the storm within their soul.
Many are drawn away by persuasive voices and melodies carrying new winds of doctrine. But not I, because the One I worship has never failed me. My own story bears the strongest witness to that truth. So I stand firm, unafraid of anything—except the loss of the Light that first touched my life. That Light can be dimmed when my desires rise above His will, when my weaknesses speak louder than His redemption.
Our Heavenly Father promises that if I remain faithful, He will guide and guard me through each day’s trials. The outcome, whatever it may be, will rest safely in His hands.
“… ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.’” Job 1:21
So I hold fast to the blessings and truth entrusted to those who keep His Commandments and have the testimony of Jesus. And I pray always for the strength to stand firm, as others drift away and hope we will follow them.
“‘You were the anointed cherub who covers; I established you; you were on the holy mountain of God; you walked back and forth in the midst of fiery stones. You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you.’” Ezekiel 28:14–15
Let it be written that I will not stray from the blessed path set before me. For I can see the glittering gates just ahead, with holy sentinels on either side. They swing wide on golden hinges, welcoming only those whose hearts are fully surrendered and sincere.
I want to be counted amongst that faithful group.
“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.” Proverbs 21:2
