Journey

I stand at the grave

of Hope
and I pause
battling myself
my desires
how did this come to be?
memories of the altar
the lowering blade -
where was the substitute sacrifice?
isn't that what You do?
isn't that Your way?
not this
not death
not defeat
surrender -
I chose surrender
and You gave me this?
Lord God, why?
I stand here
I pause -
and in that breath
You speak
You call me to leave
this grave
and to come away
to look up
as Holiness walks beside me
and leads me on
through the fire
that ravages my soul
in the distance
I see a new Hope
refined and purified
waiting for me
no defeat after all
only sovereign delay
no longer standing
I walk in confidence
leaving behind
the old Hope
and rejoicing
in what You have made new