Face like Flint - Suffering like Jesus

When suffering comes-
as it certainly will-
trust God in the darkness,
just know, and be still.

Don’t make your own fire,
your own comfort or warmth,
you’ll be blinded to the darkness
beyond the circle made by your sputtering torch

Let the one who walks in shadows
without a flicker of light
trust God in the darkness,
in the uncertainty of night.

No blinding blaze of glory,
no path will suddenly appear;
just a whisper right beside you,
“I AM with you, I AM here.”

Though the night may press in more closely,
though the clouds and oppression don’t lift,
though the beatings and mocking continue,
I have set my face like flint

Because I know that the Sovereign Lord helps me,
I know that my Savior is near
There will be no shame in this story,
My God has opened my ears.

*This poem is entirely based on a sermon I heard from Pastor Tim Dunham at CCF a couple years ago. He preached an amazing message on the verse below that has stuck with me ever since.

Isaiah 50:4-11 (NLT)

4 The Sovereign Lord has given me his words of wisdom,
   so that I know how to comfort the weary.
Morning by morning he wakens me
   and opens my understanding to his will.
5 The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me,
   and I have listened.
I have not rebelled or turned away.
6 I offered my back to those who beat me
   and my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard.
I did not hide my face
   from mockery and spitting.
7 Because the Sovereign Lord helps me,
   I will not be disgraced.
Therefore, I have set my face like a stone,
   determined to do his will.
And I know that I will not be put to shame.
8 He who gives me justice is near.
   Who will dare to bring charges against me now?
Where are my accusers?
   Let them appear!
9 See, the Sovereign Lord is on my side!
   Who will declare me guilty?
All my enemies will be destroyed
   like old clothes that have been eaten by moths!
10 Who among you fears the Lord
   and obeys his servant?
If you are walking in darkness,
   without a ray of light,
trust in the Lord
   and rely on your God.
11 But watch out, you who live in your own light
   and warm yourselves by your own fires.
This is the reward you will receive from me:
   You will soon fall down in great torment.