Angels of Humility: A Novel Read Free Page A

me?
She threw the toast in the sink.
I’m losing it
. She cradled her face in her hands as she waited for the coffee. I
can’t do anything right
.
    “That’s right sister,”
whispered Discouragement.
“You’re just takin’ up space.”
    The spiritual atmosphere in the house was oppressive. While Sarah was in the kitchen Pastor Hall prayed and rebuked the demonic. He couldn’t see them, but he could sense their evil presence by the revulsion he felt in his spirit, and he could see their obvious influence on Sarah.
    In response to his prayer, two magnificent angels appeared in the room. Joel, a warrior angel, towered over nine feet tall; his chest was covered with a golden breastplate, and he carried a sharp two-edged sword on his hip in an ornately decorated golden sheath. He was fierce in holiness, constantly alert, and had eyes like flaming fire.
    Malta, a worshiping angel, wore a brilliant white robe with a golden sash holding a shofar at the waist. In large pockets around his robe he carried a flute, lyre, and harp. Other pockets held scrolls of heavenly music tied up with ribbons. Glistening light reflected off his golden-blonde hair.
    Alive with God’s presence, they reflected the glory of Heaven and brought its fragrance with them wherever they went. Their heavenly bodies were strong and lean, but their real power was their constant lifeline with the Trinity. They were always aware of Father’s orders. Joel and Malta had been ministering together since they were created, the warrior and the worshipper, each equally capable of defeating the enemy; together—unstoppable.
    When Sarah came back from the kitchen, she felt her mood elevate slightly for the first time in months. Also, something told her she could trust the man sitting in front of her. After a few questions from Pastor Hall, she sobbed as she poured out her heart about how hard the last few years had been with George’s cancer and then her depression.
    After about 20 minutes she mostly composed herself and ended by saying, “Life’s not worth living anymore. I’m just waiting to die. I’m embarrassed to say it,” she looked away from his compassionate eyes and staredat the floor, “But I’ve even thought of taking my own life. I…I was never able to have children, and now my husband is dead. There’s nothing left for me now.”
    “Oh, Sarah, I’m so sorry for all you’ve been through the last couple years.” He leaned toward her. “But I can promise you that suicide is never the solution. It would be wrong for you to take your life because God gave it to you. Even though you’re older, whether you’re going to be around for one, five, or ten years, He still has a plan for you. He loves you so much, and He wants the rest of your life to be productive and joyful. You’ve been listening to the wrong voice, if that makes sense.”
    Sarah dabbed at her eyes with the tissue and shook her head no.
    “Well, the devil hates you and he has a plan for your life—total destruction—misery and hopelessness on earth and an eternity in Hell after death…”
    “Woo hoo,”
shouted Misery.
    “.but God loves you, and He has a plan for your life on earth, and then for you to dwell in eternal Paradise with Him. He actually planned your life before He even created the world. You’ve been listening to the devil’s lying voice, which will always lead to something evil. In this case, his lie says that you have no purpose for living and that you should take your own life.
    “Don’t listen,” whispered Lying. “You don’t have a purpose. You should be dead by now.”
    “Did you grow up in church?”
    “No.”
    “In that case, I’m going to start with some basics. May I read a few things?”
    She nodded.
Why has this kind man come to see me today?
    “Before I get to the good news, I’m going to share some bad news. The Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. 2 I don’t know anyone who is perfect, do you?”