"To the End"

Life will have its starts and stops,

One step and two steps back,

And ups and downs and ins and outs,

Sometimes can’t catch no slack.

I’ve ridden some old horses,

That at first seemed right,

But ended up a counterfeit,

That would buck and fight.

I’ve been surprised by weather,

I’ve fought a norther blue,

Been thirsty, hot, exhausted,

Thought how much can I do.

I put my trust in people,

And then learned I was wrong,

Built walls to defend myself,

And never could belong.

Had to tear down what I built,

The walls, they closed me in,

Couldn’t stand to be alone,

Though strong I’ve always been.

Some thought me successful,

Others not so much,

Thought my cowboy nonsense,

Put me out of touch,

With all that really mattered,

The things for which I stood,

Guess my bag was far too mixed,

I did the best I could.

And finally got finished,

With all the life I knew,

Thought that it was over,

Just nothing more to do.

But God still has His reasons,

For using folks like me,

Guess it’s to give a helping hope,

For some the rest can’t see.

And that’s who I am after,

When all is said and done,

It might just be a handful,

But that’s okay, I’ll run.

Till Jesus says it’s over,

And then I’ll ride on in,

Into the everlasting arms,

Horseback to the end.

“But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of HIs great patience with even the worst sinners…” (1 Timothy 1:16, NLT)

God is a patient God, and that’s a very good thing. Especially for those of us who have sinned greatly. But Jesus said that those who are forgiven much, love much. And Paul says that it was God’s patience that transformed him into someone who could give hope to the hopeless, the ones who were “too far gone.” Paul’s testimony included terrorizing the early church, for which he bore great regret. When Ananias was sent to minister to Paul after his conversion on the road to Damascus, the Lord said you must tell him I’ve called him and he will suffer greatly. No matter. Paul was ready to go because God had brought him from so far. Remember that the next time someone insists that you are not qualified to be used by the Lord. We all are, especially those who have failed a lot.

Lord, thanks for Your patience. Used us to help somebody, in Jesus’ name.

Photo by Rob Walther, used by permission. Thanks, Rob, and God bless you.