Episode 4

Well, if God said it, then I knew it to be true…I had His word that I knew the way home, so I set my heart for the journey ahead, and stepped out in faith…I best get right to it!  Thankfully, before God had even brought me to the hill overlooking the first City of Souls, all of my old and damaged garments had been replaced.  I was not wearing just anything, though, because these garments had been handcrafted by my Father, with materials that He pulled from His very own armor!  I did not wear just any armor; it was the armor of God! 

          Around my waist was a belt of the strongest fiber that had been lovingly pulled from the hem of His robes.  In my mind I believed it to be a belt of Truth, buckled firmly so as to never again fall away!  Covering my chest from front to back was a piece of the strongest metal pulled from His own chest piece and loving shaped for me with such care!  Once placed, I was aware of His promise that it would not ever fall away!  My feet had been covered with the most solid set of shoes, carefully lined with the softest fur I had ever felt.

 The eternal peace that came from the tip of those shoes, flowed all the way to the top of my head, which by the way was covered by a helmet whose navigation had been forever set for my eyes to follow home.  I had also been given a shield and sword, the shield always to protect from the lies of the enemy, and the sword had His words of truth written within its glint.  I must only seek Him and the armor made by my Father would bring me safely home…

Now, prepared for the journey that lay ahead, I set out and began my descent slowly and peacefully down into the city below.  I traveled rather easily, even carrying the armor I had been equipped with, as it was as light as a feather drifting lazily on the breeze. My Father promised me that my burden would be light from here on out if I only let Him bear it with me.  I also discovered, the first morning of my journey, that my armor did not look at all like I thought it would. 

Instead of looking like a warrior from the battlefield, as I had anticipated, I looked like no one…like everyone…old and yet young…invisible unless you looked closely.  I had been clothed in what looked like a very non-de script grey robe that covered me from the top of my head all the way to the ground.  The tips of my shoes hardly peeked out from underneath, so that only the tips were visible.  All that was in my right hand was a well-worn staff, and instead of my shield on my left arm, one only saw an old faded leather satchel.  I truly felt relief in this discovery, as I planned to wander this path as directed by my Father, only wanting attention toward myself as He desired.  I could move fast and light if needed.  I would rise before dawn each morning so that I could place my eyes on the next lantern ahead before daylight washed it out for the day.  I made sure not to rest each night until I saw the lanterns brighten, just to ensure I was still on His path. 

To any passersby, I looked like no more than a quiet traveler making my way along.  I did not carry anything aside from my satchel, which contained every note and tender mercy my Father had packed for me.  When I was hungry or tired, I traded stories for meals and a place to rest my head for the night.  Apparently, an additional gift that my Father left with me, to provide my needs along the journey, was an innate ability to weave stories and tales of adventures, welcomed by the innkeepers and guests. 

I discovered a new purpose that had been placed within my heart for the journey home, so perhaps if you keep an eye out for them, my stories might find you…just look for a traveling storyteller and perhaps you might see me for I am sure that I am not the only son or daughter of the Almighty King…remember, He will leave the lanterns lit for you…I promise!

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.  In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.  Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Ephesians 6:14-17