The Long Defeat - by Sara Groves
I have joined the long defeat
that falling set in motion
all my strength and energy
are raindrops in the ocean
so conditioned for the win
to share in victor's stories
but in the place of ambition's din
I've heard of other glories
I pray for an idea
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave
I can't just fight when I think I'll win
that's the end of all belief
and nothing has provoked it more
than a possible defeat
I pray for an idea
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave
We walk a while we sit and rest
we lay it on the altar
I won't pretend to know what's next
but what I have I've offered
I pray for a vision
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave
I pray for inspiration
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave
2 Corinthians 4:8 ¶ We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; {in despair: or, altogether without help, or, means}9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;10 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.11 For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.13 We having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak;14 Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
My heart at times grows so heavy I believe I cannot bear it any longer. I want so badly to stop, but there are those things in life that are eternal and are worth the fight. Be not weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Not by might, nor by power, but but His Spirit!
