**Verse 1**
They scheme and plot,
throw problems my way,
Grinning faces hide
the evil they display.
But Lord, You turn their
traps to my gain,
Every trial lifts me higher,
breaks their chain!
**Their schemes get
me closer to heaven's gate!**
Refines my faith,
stores my reward so great!
**Condemns them
straight to hell's fiery call,**
Unrepentant woes,
they stumble and fall!
Rejoice in persecution,
my soul stays still,
Crown of life awaits
—God's perfect will!
Problems they bring,
like thorns in my side,
But blessed are the tried,
in You I abide.
Their evil sows seeds
of their own defeat,
While I dwell in
Your shelter,
mercy complete!
**Chorus** (Even bolder, with ad-libs: "Closer to heaven! Closer to hell!")
**Their schemes get me
closer to heaven's gate!**
Refines my faith,
stores my reward so great!
**Condemns them
straight to hell's fiery call,**
Unrepentant woes,
they stumble and fall!
Rejoice in persecution,
my soul stays still,
Crown of life awaits
—God's perfect will!
**Bridge** (Intense build to victory shout)
Matthew's word rings true,
persecuted pure,
Kingdom mine,
great reward secure!
They face the woe,
how escape the flame?
I stand in Your name
—remove their shame!
**Outro Chorus** (Explosive, victorious fade with harmonies)
**Their schemes get me
closer to heaven's gate! (Heaven!)**
**Condemns them to hell
—unless they repent late! (Hell!)**
Lord, avenge and keep me,
all of mine too,
**Crown of life for the faithful
—glory breaks through!**
