"The Pathway of Life"

by Naomi
from Virtuous Daughters, December 2017~Volume17, Number 5

The pathway of life stretches on before,
Through valleys and travelling mountains o’er.
It stretches beyond, with the print of feet,
They have travelled before the path they beat.
Following footprints that lead on the way,
Through darkness and light, night and day,
Through fountains that sparkling blessings yield,
Through dark, dangerous tunnel, and green, grassy field.
Yet always before are the footprints ahead, Are you willing to then by them be led?
Look, they are bleeding, for life’s road is rough,
And it brings sorrow and times that are tough.
Look, now they pass on through the sweet, grassy field,
Where the beautiful blossoms the flowers do yield,
Now it leads on to a place of distress, But always afterward there is sweet rest.
And so we travel on the pathway of life,
Some places are smooth, and some with danger rife.
But always there are footprints going before--
“Who made them?” you ask, “on this path afore?”
They were made by the One Who created all things,
To Whom all of bright nature sings,
Who passed on this toilsome way times ago,
And now you must follow, through  joy and woe.
His footprints, they lead to the cross, you must see,
Up the toilsome way to dark Calvary.
Yet never was promised that following Christ,
Would result in an easy and wonderful life.
They lead into service, for others and Christ,
Yet without that, there’s really no purpose to life.
They lead to self-sacrifice, some great and some small,
To follow, we must give to Jesus our all.
“If you would follow My footsteps,” Christ said,
(And if we’re disciples, then we must be led)
“You must deny yourself and lift up your cross, following Me in spite of the loss.”
Are we called Christians? Do we bear Jesus’ name?
Then are we also willing to bear Christ’s shame?
If we are not following, do we dare to be called,
By the name of our Leader, Who is greater than all?
First we must trust Him, and worthy is Christ,
You can trust Him with your safety, your life.
He never fails, but faithful He remains,
Don’t be afraid, then, but trust in His name.
And what was His call to His disciples true?
“Follow Me, and I’ll make fishermen of you.”
He made them fishers of women and men,
Seeking for souls, that for Christ we must win.
If we are not fishing, then are we followers true?
Can I claim the name of disciple? Can you?
If we’re not obeying, as He gently leads, Then can we say, “Christ is my King”?
Yes, follow the Savior wherever He leads,
And know that He will supply all your needs.
Follow Him faithfully, for He merits our love,
And promises to give us His strength from above.
Do not be afraid to walk close at His side,
Remember the path leading to destruction is wide.
Follow Him even into danger and pain,
For He will be with you, no promise is vain.
And the footprints stretch on in the way far before,
Travelling valleys and mountains o’er.
Be not afraid, follow close on the way, Until you see Jesus, some wonderful day.
These footprints lead on to the great city bright,
Where they need not the sun, for the Lamb is the light.
And there we may rest from our journey and strife,
After following His foosteps in the pathway of life.
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