The Way. “Even Though I Walk…”
August 2024
“I am the WAY, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
I had originally planned this piece to take a slightly different direction than it did- focusing on the idea of childlike faith... but then life happened. Rather than a sweet image of a child walking in full trust, eyes locked on the Father, I wanted to capture something with a different kind of depth. Something a little closer to suffering.
“Who could stand amidst the wind and waves
Except the One who made them to obey
Who could sing in the midst of suffering
But those He has redeemed and called by name
If I stand and see it through
If I stay the course and make it home
If my heart is overwhelmed with peace in the storm
It’s all because of Christ” -All Because of Christ
He is the way. No one comes to the Father except that He made it possible. No amount of trying or doing or getting it right can make it happen for ourselves. I cannot make it through times of suffering, or even everyday life, without His provision. It is foolish for me to forget that even my next breath is supplied by Him and Him alone. I cannot sustain life on my own. I cannot make my own way, and I cannot follow His way without leaning on Him!
This piece is built upon truths such as these that I encourage you to remember:
He will keep me safe in His dwelling.
He will hold me steady.
He is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear?
He is my stronghold.
He is my confidence.
He has already surrounded what is surrounding me.
The wind and waves obey His voice.
He is good.
I like to turn back to Psalm 27- it acknowledges that suffering is a very real part of living in a fallen world without neglecting to remind us of who God is even in our suffering:
When evil men advance against me...
(Not “if”, WHEN)
Though an army besiege me...
Though war break out against me...
In the day of trouble...
THE LORD IS... and He will hear me.
“Teach me your way, O Lord; lead me in a straight path...”
“I am still confident of this; I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.”
The imagery in this piece was inspired by my trip to Yellowstone National Park in the summer of 2024. As a family, we marveled at the beautiful and wild things that God has created. I remember looking at the footprints left by bison in the areas deemed unsafe due to the geysers, hot springs, and volcanic activity. Steam billowed out of the ground. Snow, ice, and rain fell from the sky, and yet the buffalo continued pressing forward. Standing firm.
Even though I walk through the valley of death and dying, I will not fear.
He is the way.
