The Road I Would Not Travel

I wrote this poem during the last weeks of my son Jacob's battle with cancer. I think it reflects the resolution a Christian must have to trust the Lord Jesus when everything seems lost and make the words of Job our own "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him."

The Road I Would Not Travel

The road I would not travel was the one he led me down,

Strewn with jagged gravel and crossing treach’rous ground.

It clung to barren mountains and crossed storm swollen streams.

Its course passed no sweet fountains, no scenes from pleasant dreams.

I faltered at his bidding when he said, “This way is best.”

These words seemed so unfitting to describe so hard a test.

“Your way’s through pain and trials, and down it I would not go.

Why tread those countless miles down a path I do not know?”

“Would I lead you down a road over which I have not been?

Or burden you with a load that I didn’t choose to send?

My way is hard and lonely and t’will drive you to your knees,

But only there is where you’ll find My help, My rest, My ease.

And when the roads been traveled and you’ve labored to its end,

When your former world’s unraveled then---your dreams I’ll start to mend.

Your toils will earn you treasure in my kingdom far from here

With glories beyond measure and no trials or tears or fear.”

These words my Lord had spoken and offered his wounded hand

And took my life though broken and gave me the strength to stand.

And

The road I would not travel was the one he led me down.

Strewn with jagged gravel and crossing treach’rous ground.