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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: GATHERING (07/14/16)
The Battle Begins

A quote from John Milton’s Paradise Lost:

What if
Earth be but the shadow of Heaven, and things therein
Each to other like, more than on earth is thought?

The winds of battle are rising; they blow across my consciousness and warn me of great conflict ahead. Let the mêlée commence. We are ready, and already the heady perfume of the prayers of the saints mingles with the stench of the emissaries of the devil.

No human, living out a lifespan on earth, could possibly imagine the dilemmas we find ourselves in as angels of the Most High. My name is Chaya and my assignment on earth is about to be rocked with the clash of demonic forces against the angels of light fighting for a soul in torment.

We angels, having arrived early in the progress of creation, continue our duties of watching over individuals and observing the mistakes made as civilisations develop, always surprised when humanity learns so little from others’ past mistakes.

My present task has been progressing well but the fight for my charge’s mind is about to begin. The scene is set and I am aware that with the gathering of more of my associates, together with the stinking hordes of carrion sent by Satan, much warfare lies ahead.

I was not expecting this latest development in my charge’s life, but having experienced duties in every time span and nation this one in England, where my latest protégée, Marian Marten, lives, promises to be enlightening. Having had many years experience, and many projects completed and brought to fruition, though this directive is unexpected it is not unusual.

It is 43 years since I assisted in Marian’s birth – she was headstrong even then and had managed to get the umbilical cord wrapped round her neck. That was the first of the scrapes and dramas I have helped her through, some of her escapades being difficult to handle. To bring her out unscathed has not been easy. It was a great day when she met Dale Marten; her husband has been good for her and a steadying influence in her tear-away, ever enthusiastic, dream filled life. Yet now begins the biggest upheaval she has ever known, and she will be a refugee as if she has been banished or sent into exile from all she knew.

I was witness to what the media would call the tragedy of her life. A holiday in Scotland had exceeded their expectations, and the two children, Chris and Mandy, were giggling together on the back seat of their car. Joining in the reminiscences of their adventures, Marian squeezed Dale’s knee. “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could take Gareth and Chelsea to that cottage when they come over from Oz next year?” she asked him. “It will be great to show our daughter-in-law the beautiful lakes and mountains, and have us all get to know each other better in such relaxing surroundings.”

“Yes, I see you want to gather all your chicks around us, my precious,” was Dale’s response as he slowed for a rise in the road. Then he braked hard. “Oh, God, what is this guy doing?” and a black BMW hurtled past them meeting an oncoming SUV; what I was expecting unfolded, with angels and demons converging to begin their work.

It is a common misapprehension that as guardians we should protect our charges from all dangers and disasters but as can be learned from the story of Job, sometimes Satan interferes, with or without Elyon’s permission. In ALL things Elyon works for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. And so it is given to us to gather the pieces and put them together protecting our charges from the barbs of the evil one who would have them deny their faith. I have been warned that Marian is in danger of that for she must face life now without her husband and two small children.

How can she accept that she will come out of this a stronger person? How will the prayers of her friends bring her comfort? Will she recognise that Elyon, her God, is giving her strength and embracing her beloved family, holding them until they will meet again?

Spiritual warfare is very real and we angels are well trained and experienced.

The fumes of the evil ones swirl about us, but our army is the stronger. We shall prevail.

744 words
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This article has been read 433 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Joy Bach 
07/21/16
I can see you worked hard on this. However I just did not connect with it. Next time leave the title and word count off. Be sure to keep on writing.
Lea Austin
07/26/16
Your story was a good reminder of the spiritual battle going on around us daily. For me the story really began with the paragraph, “It is 43 years since . . . .” Starting it there would enable you to extend the story and show how Marian dealt with the tragedy and what part the angel(s) played in her adapting to new circumstances.
Larry Whittington
07/26/16
I liked your story. Seeing life from the "other" perspective, well conceived. What I didn't like was the use of the word "Elyon" as a name for her God.

It is true we do not see or know how we are helped or how God works all things for the good of those who love him and are called according to his purpose. We just can't see the spirit side of things.

Good work. Keep at it. You could enlarge this story and give more examples of how God's angles work as well as the Holy Spirit works in our lives.