92. Forward! Strive to Gain the Goal!

1. Forward! Strive to gain the goal!
To the Fatherland!
Though affliction press the soul,
Led by Jesus’ hand
Safe thou shalt be;
Once beyond all pain and strife
Thou shalt gain eternal life,
And victory!

2. Christ Himself has gone this way,
Fearlessly and true, -
Thy example! Day by day
Follow Him anew.
On Him depend;
He will lend thee help in need –
Seek then to be true indeed
Till life shall end.

3. Dost thou fear the heat and care
On thy daily road?
Doth whatever thou must bear
Seem a heavy load?
Look up and see,
On the cross that He once bore,
How thy Savior suffered sore –
Accursed – for thee!

4. Lost in night and darkness,
Beckons thee no star?
Doth His help in time of stress
Seem to thee so far?
Think on thy way –
He the Shepherd never sleeps,
But a constant vigil keeps
Both night and day.

5. Although death approach at last,
Need that trouble thee?
When its gloomy vale is past,
Thou may’st clearly see
Him as He is. –
Shortly from all strife and woe,
All His faithful ones may go
Into His bliss!