Lead On, O King Eternal!

As happens on occasion, the other day I was driving down the road when an old hymn popped into my mind.  You may or may not enjoy hymns, but this one's title stopped me.  It seemed to me that I could almost hear the gut-wrenching, purposeful, committed, and resolute warrior, through gritted teeth, with determination say, "Lead on, O King Eternal.  I see the storms ahead.  I know the storms I've passed through and the ones I am currently encountering.  Yet, I will trust you.  So, lead on, O King!  I will follow."

I don't know what you encounter.  I don't know what you are living through or what you have been through to get to this point.  I know that for some of us school is difficult.  Due dates for papers, tests, daily interaction, PLUS daily life, all seem to clash on occasion.  You may even be encountering a rough patch in your life or, as you look at the horizon you see major storms brewing.  It's tough.  Life can be brutal at times.  You may even feel like throwing up your hands and quitting - quitting school, quitting work, quitting life, perhaps.

Hold it!  Don't move.  Take a deep breath.  Think about this hymn again.  The writer says, "Lead on!"  Where does that resoluteness come from?  From the past; from learning His strength in battles past.  Has He been with you?  Have you made it to this point?  Perhaps not unscathed, but have you made it?  Yes, you're here reading this right now.  You've made it to this point.  IF He has brought you to this point, He will most definitely lead you on.

Say it with me - "Lead on, O King Eternal".  

1. Lead on, O King eternal, the day of march has come; henceforth in fields of conquest thy tents shall be our home.  Through days of preparation thy grace has made us strong; and now, O King eternal, we lift our battle song.
2. Lead on, O King eternal, till sin's fierce war shall cease, and holiness shall whisper the sweet amen of peace.  For not with swords loud clashing, nor roll of stirring drums; with deeds of love and mercy the heavenly kingdom comes.
3. Lead on, O King eternal, we follow, not with fears, for gladness breaks like morning where'er thy face appears. Thy cross is lifted o'er us, we journey in its light; the crown awaits the conquest; lead on, O God of might.

See, it's more than gritted teeth.  It's an attitude of the heart.  Yes, determination.  But, not solely determination that is your own. It is determination that springs out of the heart that has known the trustworthy and compassionate leadership of a God who loves so deeply that He would stoop to care for each person, including me.  So, "Lead on, O King Eternal.  I'm following."