Stuck in the Trenches
Stuck in the trenches, hopeless.
Surely this is it. I’m done. Satan won.
My love’s been defeated.
My strength has retreated.
I’ve needed help for quite some time. My mind’s
in pieces, and these pieces of reason
hint at treason, like God has betrayed me.
Now no one can save me. What have I done?
Is there any way I can make this up to You?
God is there any way? Is there?....
And suddenly, there’s this Man beside me
Wearing a crown, not of royalty, but loyalty
Made of thorns. His clothes are torn, worn out.
His blood’s been poured out, but still He stands-
Pierced hands and all. Taking the fall, the beating,
Pleading for my life and my soul, and it hits me…
Like a ton of bricks it hits me:
That this whole time,
The entire battle I’ve been stuck in,
He’s been right here, with His heels dug in.
He’s my Hero, my Savior, but why does this Savior
Stick with me, a traitor? Why deal with me and my behavior?
Why?
I try
To wrap my head around it
But there’s bullets flying, grenades falling…appalling.
Each new wound on Him is a representation of my sin.
I look down at my skin.
Can’t believe what I’m covered in.
His blood. It’s all over me. Holding me
Captive. I can’t wipe it off. The cost
of blood like this
Must be too precious for words, too precious for earth
And yet here it is.
That kind of Love can only come from one place
That kind of salvation can only come from one Grace.
I’ve done nothing but dig my own grave,
Done nothing for Him that was courageous or brave
But I will forever praise His Name
Because He forever takes the blame, bears my shame
Praise Christ that He’s not about obedience,
I’m accepted. Therefore, I obey.
by Ryan Partin
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If you would like more of Ryan’s Poetry, email him at ryanpartin at mail dot utexas dot edu
