From Mourning to Holy
"Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." ~ 2 Corinthians 7:1
Read Lost in the Wilderness before this entry
In my approach toward the cliff face where Zaith fell, I pass by the campsite where Markus seems to be just as entranced as I am, if not more so as he has not noticed my approach.
The wind continues to breeze toward the cliff as I hear the howls emerge from the trench. As I close in on it, behind me I hear the pattering of feet rushing over, “Harim! Do you feel that too?”
Veering over my shoulder stands Markus with Ron and Ves on his right and left. A light in his eyes reminds me of myself when his father taught me everything I know.
“Harim?” Markus breaks my drift as I look back toward the trench. I close my eyes to listen just as Zaith did. Why though? Why do I feel this way?
The howl of the wind suddenly ceases as silence befalls the forest surrounding us. It’s strange, almost like all the critters just fell into a deep sleep just for me to listen closer.
At that moment, it was as if the Holy Spirit you spoke of, teacher, He gave me ears to hear the water flow deep within the trench.
“Markus, do you hear that? It sounds like running water.”
Markus steps forward to my side and listens just as I have, “I think I hear it too. Does that mean…”
I nod, “It’s possible, but I think it best we do not get our hopes up.”
“But Harim,” Markus smiles up at me, “with our faith in Jesus, it’s possible through prayer that we will see teacher again!”
“Let Your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in You alone.”
Psalms 33:22
Hearing Markus say this, I glance toward Ron and Ves as they nod in agreement. Why do I hesitate, though? I just prayed myself and I think I believe in Jesus as He is giving us hope. So why do I still hesitate?
“Get up, go downstairs, and go with them without hesitation. Don’t worry, for I have sent them.”
Acts 10:20
“Harim,” Vesper captures my attention with her soft voice, “remember what teacher said? Surrender to His will?”
My eyes lock with hers as the heaviness of my heart lifts off of me. Instead of relying on my thoughts, my feelings… Lord Jesus, allow me to rely on You instead. No more hesitating, just following.
Bowing my head, I close my eyes and fall slowly to my knees in worship of You. Please, Jesus, hear our prayers.
Heavenly Father
I surrender my thoughts and emotions to You. I ask that You carry my worries and give You my heart.
Suddenly, I hear Markus, Eronadel, and Vesper plant themselves beside me and repeat my prayer to You. I can feel the layers of my heart peel away as I hear my own words repeated from their voices. I must continue…
We are young and without understanding. We know not what Your plan for us is, nor why You allowed Your disciple Zaith to fall, but hear us that we are not lost, but found by You. Come to us, O Lord, and we will follow. We seek discipleship with You! We seek Your Spirit so we may be made Holy by Your love and grace. Lord, keep us in Your presence and do not part from us.
This is our prayer to You, as Your children.
In Your name, we pray
Amen
In finishing our prayer, the silence of the forest lingers for a minute as the critters begin to return to their normal sounds. Although, they are more subtle than they once were.
I can still hear the water flowing down the cliff and recall the reason we came here in the first place.
“Come now, let’s rest, and then in the morning we will continue down to the lake so we may finish what teacher started us toward.”