By Faith

"By faith Abraham obeyed when he was 

called to go out to a place that he was to 

receive as an inheritance. And he went out, 

not knowing where he was going."

{Hebrews 11:8}

I discovered this poem yesterday as I was flipping through my journal. I wrote it while I was on Tour with the University of Northwestern-St. Paul Symphonic Band in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on January 25, 2014. In it, I reflect on how Abraham showed His trust in the Lord by following Him even though he did not know where he was going. When I wrote this, I felt somewhat like Abraham because the last time I had been in Sioux Falls was with my family about a month before I started college. It was such a blessing to see how God had redeemed my fear to follow His leading a year-and-a-half earlier by letting me return to the exact same place--and this time be with people who only a year-and-a-half ago were strangers but had become my family in Christ.

"He believed in faith," knowing it was true--
That what God had promised He also would do.
Though his wife was old, he as good as dead,
He chose to trust in God's promise instead.

And God came through and gave him a son--
Isaac, his seed, the promised one.
Yet these words were written not for him but for us
That we may learn in His Name to trust.

Being here in Sioux Falls is a sign of Your grace
As I think back two years and my steps I retrace.
Last I was here, I was so scared to begin
The unknown journey called college You'd have me walk in.

I was scared and resentful--the pain was too much
Until I'd look up and feel my Savior's soft touch.
No evil befell me; You were with me always
That I'd learn to trust in You all of my days.

You've taught me to love, to lead, and to serve;
You've blessed me with friends that I never deserved.
Your promise is real; Your faithfulness true;
And I ask myself, "Why do I ever doubt you?"

You've brought me this far--can I not trust You now
To complete the good work You began in me somehow?
All I ask's that my reflect the glory of You
That all who see me may know that this saying is true:

"You are Alpha, Omega--Beginning and End,
You're the Lord of Creation whose praise will not end."
Our hearts now rejoice and our Savior we praise
And make known His glory all of our days.