Chapter Fifteen - Weary Receives a New Name
With all that has happened, Weary wonders if this is the end of his journey.
[ The paperback book “Weary Christian” contains 140 Scripture references. This first chapter is an example of these references. The remainder of the book on SubStack does not contain these Biblical references. ]
As the sun peeked over the horizon, Weary awakened, still damp from the seawater that had swamped Good News. Feeling exhausted, Weary rolled over on his knees and began to talk to Father.
“Father, please forgive me, I humbly pray. The captain, your provision for me, is dying. The transportation that I need to fulfill the journey Good Shepherd sent me on is scuttled, and the young man that you trusted me to train has betrayed me. And I know in my heart that Enemy is attacking Charity. It seems that in everything you gave me, I have failed you. Yet, I know that your grace is sufficient for me. I cannot see a way to fix any of these problems; still, I find joy in You. Lead me, I pray.”
When Weary opened his eyes, he saw Good Shepherd standing beside him. The rest of the camp was still fast asleep. Good Shepherd said to Weary, “Let’s walk down to the shoreline. I’ve prepared breakfast for us.”
They walked silently to a small fire where Good Shepherd was broiling some fresh fish. Weary breathed in the aroma, and it was good. Weary didn’t feel like eating, but he wasn’t about to refuse Good Shepherd.
Weary broke the silence, “Good Shepherd, I have failed you in every way. My ineptness deeply sorrows me. If it is possible, please forgive me. With my joy still in you, I accept whatever punishment you pass upon me.”
“Oh, Weary, don’t you see that nothing has happened that I didn’t know beforehand? I sent you on this journey, and you will complete it; I am not lacking in resources. But I want to say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
“You could have killed Newman, but you showed compassion to him. You have been inclusive and invited Captain Provision into your circle of friends. You have helped Charity more than you know. You prayed and received a miracle when your children were saved. You restored Compassion when she had been abused. You fought Enemy and alpha predators. You had faith to enter your journey through the small, narrow door in the Woods of Uncertainty. And you wanted more when you were living with the people of Little Faith.”
“Weary, I am quite proud of you. I asked you to come down to the seashore for an important reason. If you consider your journey thus far, you surely see that you are not Weary Christian anymore. You have changed. Your body may feel weary, but you have not become weary in well doing.”
“Weary, today I am giving you a new name because you are no longer Weary. Today I christen you Reliable Christian! Also, your children have been with you, but they will be in you from now on. My friends will still accompany you, but you now have a deeper relationship with the Father, Me, and Gentle Breeze.” At that moment, Gentle Breeze swooshed across Reliable, and Reliable felt on fire.
“Now,” Good Shepherd said, “let’s rouse the camp!”
As Reliable Christian walked into camp, each of his children jumped into his arms and then melted into his heart. Invigorated, Reliable said, “Arise, my companions! Today is a day that will be remembered for many years.”
Stooping beside the captain, Reliable laid his hand on him. Then, with a smile, Good Shepherd touched the captain. Instantly, the captain rolled out of his bloodstained blankets. He was fit as a fiddle! “Weary,” said Captain, “I feel refreshed and ready to take on the world!” Reliable grinned and moved to Newman. “Wake up, Newman. I have news to share.”
Newman sheepishly arose and began poking the campfire, hoping to revive the flame that had died hours ago.
Then Good Shepherd’s friends joined the tight circle around the dead campfire. Newman believed he saw an ember, so he continued to poke at the logs; it was a chilly morning.
Good Shepherd said in His strong voice, “Today, I have given Weary Christian a new name. From now on, he shall be known as Reliable Christian!” “Yes!” shouted the cohorts of Reliable. Good Shepherd continued, “Reliable’s children now live in him instead of being with him. As for Captain, you can see that he has fully recovered. A boat is coming for Newman. They will take Newman to some of my followers. They shall mentor him and fully restore him.”
“Now cast your eyes to Good News,” said Good Shepherd, “Good News can never sink!” Suddenly, a breeze rose that was so strong it pushed back the sea. As the gale force wind continued, it blew every drop of water out of and off Good News. Reliable, Captain and Newman couldn’t believe their eyes.
Then the side of Good News instantly became as good as new. Good Shepherd allowed the sea to come back. As it did, Good News rose above the sand and rocks. As it floated, glistening in its full glory, Good Shepherd said, “Reliable, it is time for you to finish the journey for which I commissioned you.
At that, Captain Provision boarded Good News. Then Captain permitted Reliable and Good Shepherd’s friends to come on board. Raising the mainsail, Captain maneuvered Good News back into the Sea of Trouble.
Reliable could tell he had changed. He was ready to finish this journey and begin whatever Good Shepherd had in store for him. Still, in the back of his mind was the thought, “Will it be smooth sailing from here, or are there more troubles?”