Eleven - Crossing the Sea of Trouble
Though all seemed fine to Weary, trouble was coming from an unexpected source.
“What a magnificent day!” Hope said to Knowledge, “I just know this will be an adventure none of us will forget!!” “No doubt,” said Knowledge, “No doubt, indeed.”
As Captain navigated Good News past Safe Harbor, Weary and all his companions watched the Woods of Uncertainty and the shore of the Sea of Trouble begin to vanish. With the only land he had known disappearing, a memory of Charity crossed Weary’s mind. Having received no news from her or her fine neighbors before leaving, he took a moment and asked Father to provide, protect, and prosper Charity. Weary doubted he’d ever see her again.
The sea remained calm, and the breeze steady as the ship Good News crested the horizon, hiding the land that Weary and Newman had called home. However, each man reacted differently to their untethered, new lives. Weary felt a pang of loss but excitement about the new world Good Shepherd had sent him to. On the other hand, Newman felt power surging up his spine. He was free, now, to make his own decisions.
With the ship gently rolling from side to side and salt air rushing past the small group, Newman silently slipped away. Noiselessly, he pulled open the door to the wheelhouse. The captain, Provision, was inside, confirming that the ship’s course was on the quickest lane to cross the Sea of Trouble. Newman crept close to Provision. Sensing a presence, Provision spun around.
“Newman,” Provision said, “make some noise when you come in. I nearly jumped out of my skin.” Feeling rattled and a bit angry, Provision continued, “What are you doing in here? The wheelhouse is for authorized persons only, so, on this voyage, that means me!”
Newman smiled, but Provision didn’t feel calmed by his smile. It was off, somehow. And Newman had a peculiar look in his eyes. Newman took a step closer, but Provision would have none of it. “Get out before I throw you out! What has gotten into you!?” “Take it easy, Captain; I just wanted to ask if you knew how long our voyage would last.” Provision tersely replied, “We will get there when we arrive. Now get, go join the rest of your companions.”
With a whack of the door, Newman left Provision, but he didn’t return to his companions. He was feeling odd. In a way, he felt a fierceness that he’d never felt before. He didn’t know why he felt the way he did. He still loved Good Shepherd, but why did Weary get so much attention? What was so special about him?” Newman continued to stew, “I was the one that had been a dead fish but then came to life because of Good Shepherd. Shouldn’t I be greater than the others?
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Weary had made his way to the ship’s bow, and all his “children” gathered around him. Faith, Goodness, and Knowledge had grown considerably since being rescued from the overturned boat on the shore of the Sea of Trouble. Self-Control, Perseverance, and Godliness had also grown and were now useful to Weary. Finally, Mutual-Affection and Love were no longer small children. Truly, his family was growing up; an inexpressible joy and love for Father, Good Shepherd, and Gentle Breeze made Weary’s heart feel as if it would explode.
Looking up, all Weary saw was water, but he trusted Good News, Provision, and, most of all, the words of Good Shepherd. Weary had no idea what it would be like on the other side of the sea, but he was confident that all things work together for the good.
Just then, Grace walked up to Weary and said, “Don’t be fooled by these calm surroundings. Trouble has already arrived on this vessel. Enemy has asked Father for permission to crush you. Enemy hopes to prove that your love is only because of the good things Father has provided to you. We do not know Father’s answer, but no matter what temptation Enemy may use, don’t trust in yourself; I will deliver you.”
As Grace finished speaking, Mercy spoke up, “Weary, know this: Enemy is, even now, making accusations against you to Father, but Good Shepherd spoke to Father, and Father told me to tell you that He holds nothing in your past against you. In Father’s eyes, you are as pure as Good Shepherd, Himself. No sooner had Mercy finished speaking than Wisdom moved to stand beside Weary.
Wisdom whispered in Weary’s ear, “You are being tested, Weary. You haven’t yet discovered your test, but it has begun. Remember, my son, put on the full armor Good Shepherd gave you. Listen intently for Gentle Breeze. Don’t allow your trust to be shaken. Good Shepherd will never leave you, so find your strength in Him to endure. Surely, the greatest trouble upon this sea is the unseen trouble hurled at you by Enemy.”