The "Even Though"

 Sometimes life takes us where we don't want to go.  Powers greater than ourselves speak and we find that whether or not we like it a journey has been give us.  The only thing we can do is decide how we will walk that journey.

           

David's testimony has become the testimony of countless millions of people; it is certainly mine -- "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, You are with me" (Ps. 23:4).  What a profound hope we have in Christ, our Shepherd.  Everyone who trusts in Christ says, "Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever" (Ps. 23:6). 

           

In Christ, we are not defined by what happens to us.  We are defined by Who walks with us.  Valleys come and valleys go but Jesus sticks with us "closer than a brother" (Prov. 18:24).  He says to us when we are on the journey, "Come to Me, all who are weary and heaven-laden, and I will give rest" (Matt. 11:28).  Each day He gives us strength for the journey.  Each day He lives in us as Lord and Savior.

Because of Jesus I can say,

Nothing that happens can hurt me

Whether I lose or win;

Life may be changed on the surface,

But I do my main living within.[1]

           

Because of Jesus we can say (and may I personalize it),

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
I have already come.
T''was Grace that brought me safe thus far...
and Grace will lead me home[2].

---

[1] This poem was written by the grandfather of a college roommate, David Rodes.  Dr. R.C. Gunstream was a District Superintendent in the Church of the Nazarene, a great pastor, and a wonderful man of God.

[2] Third verse of Amazing Grace by John Newton, 1779.