JOY IN TRIUMPH
Can we choose joy in the midst of trials?Faithful and True do in this short parable.
JOY IN TRIUMPH
Once upon a time, in a valley nestled between rolling hills, there lived two friends, Faithful and True. They were known throughout their village for their wisdom and ability to solve troublesome dilemmas. One early morning, the valley mayor approached them with a solemn request.
"Dear Faithful and True he said, "Our valley faces a great and troublesome trial. A fearsome dragon has taken residence in the caves nearby, terrorizing our people. The people are very afraid because the main highway crosses the path of the caves entrance.”
“Why tell us, we are only farmers?” They both replied.
“Because you face adversity well. The town over from us faced this same ordeal and many homes were burned. Many families moved away. They didn’t wanted to be burned and fled in fear.”
“We remember the story.” Faithful said.
“This is a much used road and the people are afraid they will be burned alive. Commerce has been greatly effected by this danger. Many have felt the heat of the dragons fierce fire and they are staying home. No one has come forward to face this fierce enemy. Would you be willing? We need your help to solve this problem."
Now the mayor had grown up with Faithful and True and knew them to be rightly named.
Faithful and True nodded in agreement, accepting the challenge. The next morning while venturing out toward the dragon's lair, Faithful recited one of his favorite passages seeking guidance and courage in the face of this trial.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of the King, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
They were prepared as best as they knew, for the ordeal before them but still felt a pervasive fear.
The entrance to the dragon's cave was dark and foreboding, echoing a menacing growl. They looked at one another with wide eyes.
“Shall we go in?” Faithful asked.”
They knew that a sudden ill timed burst of the dragons fiery breath would certainly lead them to a gruesome death.
“We must press on.” True said.
And so in spite of their overwhelming fear they were undeterred. Faithful and True continued forward, repeating the words of wisdom they had learned and read before they set out.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
With that reminder they both put a smile on their face and pressed forward.
As they ventured deeper into the cave, they encountered their first riddle, etched onto a massive stone:
"I am born in doubt, but faith can make me whole. What am I?"
Faithful pondered for a moment, caught off guard. He whispered to True and then replied, "You are a question."
The stone rumbled and shifted, revealing a path further into the cave. And so they pressed on, their faith strengthened.
Further in, they encountered another riddle, this one accompanied by the sound of loud threatening rumbles and breaths. True looked at Faithful in dismay.
"I am a force of nature, a fleeting breeze,
Yet with trust, I can calm the tempest seas.
What am I?"
True looked at Faithful and knew the answer by his friends example.
He smiled and answered, "You are faith itself."
The cave trembled, and they sped behind great rocks as a fire burst forth nearly striking them but also lighting the entire cave. Their path ahead was clear. Faithful and True continued, their resolve growing even stronger.
With this strength the two were able to handle numerous other difficulties that lay before them.
Finally, deep within the cave, they reached the dragon's chamber, where the beast lay in wait. The entire cavern lit up again as the dragon breathed fire. The two quickly shielded themselves behind a great rock and from the intense heat and blinding light. The dragon then spoke in a voice like thunder:
"Who are you to challenge me?" The beast roared.
Faithful and True spoke up and replied in unison, "We are those who count it all joy in the face of trials, who have faith unshaken. We seek not to harm you but to understand why you are here.”
“We must ask you a question.”
“Go on.” The dragon bellowed.
“Why have you taken residence in our small valley?”
“I was sent here by the King to bring forth the leaders the refiners fire to test their resolve and strength.”
“What? you were sent here as a ruse?”
“No, the trials were dangerous but would reveal the true mettle of the man daring to make this journey.”
Faithful and True didn’t feel that their deeds were noteworthy and told the dragon as such.
The dragon answered.
“To the contrary my comrades, you solved challenges in the midst of fierce trials. Now you will lead many more to do the same.”
The dragon, was overjoyed at their words and actions and impressed by their wisdom and faith. He bestowed them each with a special gift from his treasure trove. It was a crown that gleamed with precious metals and gems.
“For the rest of your days wear this crown for it represents life. You did not bow to or cower in the face of many a trial. Though many may consider me the ultimate adversary, I truly desire that people find their true treasure in life.”
He further agreed to peacefully leave the village, because this dragon knew that their entire valley would now know this truth in living. The Kings errand was successfully completed.
Faithful and True had passed the ultimate test and had faced their trials head on and shown that faith in the one true King and His wisdom could conquer even the fiercest trials.
So as they returned to the village, they remembered the passage from their scripture.
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which the King has promised to those who love him."
Then what happened was truly amazing.
Their faith continued to not only saving the valley but had also bestowed upon them the crown of life—a deeper understanding of the power of faith and wisdom. And so, Faithful and True would continue to share their knowledge and riddles, guiding their fellow valley folk toward a life of joy, faith, and wisdom.
True joy was from the King and his words and was found to be their strength.
©️Donald Schuler
9/26/2023
Dear Donald, This letter is very prophetic. I've been working on a comment, but it is long, and I have been busy working. I haven't said anything yet because I wanted to respond appropriately. This is a great letter. I will come back and comment later. Thank you, and GOD bless you!
Don, I encourage you to get on Notes more - restack your notes, the notes of others, and the articles from authors you admire. It will help your posts to get more traction. This is the place authors 'hang out.' You write great stuff, and the network needs to see you present on Notes—just a thought.