(Continued from Two Paths)
I held onto the sword as I strode north. I clasped it firmly in my hand, transferring it as before but less often. Either I was getting stronger or the sword was becoming lighter. Regardless, it was easier to carry so I practiced swinging it while I walked. I resolved never again to lose it to anyone.
"I will keep this sword, Lord. This gift from you is great and mighty, the protector of my faith, and I will not ever let go of it again. Lord I pray that I can keep it and hold onto it, no matter the strength or guile of those I meet."
I had no sooner said this when a bright light appeared in the sky over the chasm. I stopped and looked. The light came close and then an angel appeared and lit gently in front of me. I lowered my head in respect but did not fall to my knees. I waited for him to speak.
"You are learning, son of man. I am sent to both encourage and warn you. You will face difficulty ahead, but you must stay strong and have courage. God will make the way for you. Keep your sword in front of you and trust Him."
“How is it that the Sword was returned to me? This is the same sword I held earlier. What happened to the men who took it from me?”
"“They received their wages. Men of corruption cannot contain the joy given you. They could neither hold it nor stand it. Neither can the angels that are fallen. They cannot touch joy. They will use men to try to steal it from you. Wield it and they will flee, for joy cuts right through them, as you've seen.”
What am I to do?"
Greet all difficulty with joy. Guard your tongue. God is with you.”
The sword began to vibrate again as it had before. I looked at it. The gems embedded in the handle were pulsating unbelievably beautiful light in many colors. The sword felt warm again to my touch. A tingling flowed up my arm from it and penetrated all my body. Peace flooded over me and became me. "Thank you," I said. I felt such happiness in that moment that I cannot properly describe it. I felt more alive than I had ever felt and more certain that I could meet any foe in victory.
"Be strong in faith and have courage. Trust God and wield your joy as a weapon. Be joyful in all you do. Show joy in front of all you meet. In this way you have joined the fight and are helping us on the other side. When you are weak, when you sin, your light in the sword will grow dim and that is dangerous, as it gives them strength. In losing joy you will lose faith. Be strong in your faith and have courage. Do not sin, but walk away from sin. Bear love in your heart for others but have a discerning eye. You already have these things so use your joy as a weapon. It will protect your faith and your faith will increase. Soon you will be joined by another and many more after that. No one comes to you by accident, nor do you meet anyone by coincidence. Remain strong in your faith, wield the joy and the season of difficulty will soon pass. You will know everything to do. The victory has already been won. The fight that continues even now is to expel that which is against God. Be strong in your faith. Joy will protect it. There is no one you should fear."
As he said that, he rose from the soil so that I looked up to follow, then he turned and flew back across the abyss, disappearing as before into a point of light.
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