Forever Gold
©2025 Susan Noyes Anderson
image by Michal Vrba on Unsplash
While walking on a sunlit road,
unburdened by a heavy load,
a detour rose before my eyes
so steep it seemed to pierce the skies.
so steep it seemed to pierce the skies.
I thought to turn back, looked away,
reluctant to align this day
of carefree travel with a chore
that would demand of me much more.
that would demand of me much more.
My every instinct was to flee
the grueling task that challenged me,
retrace my footsteps to safe ground
and rest where ease and peace were found.
and rest where ease and peace were found.
And yet, my spirit knew for sure
my destination was secure.
The path ahead, despite the strain
was mine to take, my prize to gain.
was mine to take, my prize to gain.
I could not know what lay ahead
yet vowed to move beyond the dread
that such a climb afforded me.
God chose the path but left me free
God chose the path but left me free
to claim or curse my destiny.
And such is life, all twists and turns.
Sometimes it shines; sometimes it burns.
But those who trust, who brave God’s mold,
emerge with souls forever gold.
∞§∞
If this poem resonates with you, you might also relate to Walking with Jesus and Life Hurts, Love Heals.
Tags: adversity, growth, hardship, overcming, refiner's fire, trials, trusting God
Susan Noyes Anderson
Susan Noyes Anderson is the author of At the End of Your Rope, There’s Hope, Deseret Book, ©1997; Awaken Your Spiritual Power: The Fairy Godmother Isn’t Coming!, Karisma Press, ©1999; and His Children (poetry only, photos are by Anita Schiller), Vantage Point Press, ©2003.