Go Through Fire

For many years I have prayed 'just a closer walk with Thee', draw me into Your heart, O Lord.  But I did not know what I was asking.  Closeness comes through weathering trials and tribulations together, knowing that someone has your back.  God keeps putting me in the fire to refine me, to refine my faith.  This is not an easy process.  It is painful and difficult.  And yet when the pain and heartache and hurt became too much, I wanted to jump ship, to bail.  But that was the very moment I needed to stick to it and see it through the most.  When I just couldn't go on, that was the time my relationship with God was being built the most.

"But the Lord still waits for you to come to Him so He can show you His love, and compassion.  For the Lord is a faithful God.  Blessed are those who wait for Him to help them.  O people of Zion, who live in Jerusalem, you will weep no more.  He will be gracious if you ask for help.  He will respond instantly to the sound of your cries.  Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and affliction for drink, He will still be with you to teach you.  You will see your teacher with your own eyes, and you will hear a voice say "This is the way; turn around and walk here."  {Isaiah 30:18-21}

For those that are Tolkien fans, this reminds me much of the Hobbit and the quest laid before them.

This is a song from my teenage years that I have always loved:  Go Through Fire  {Rob Frazier}