“So, you think you have to somehow work off your debt with God? Make up for what you did?”
Though Tori hadn’t thought of it that way, it sounded about right. “He saved me in every way possible, from hell, from a life of misery and emptiness, and from my own failings. How can I not want to do everything I can to further His Kingdom?”
“Oh, you sweet thing.” Nyla swung an arm around her shoulder and drew her close. “First of all, we should all want to do everything to serve our King. That should be the desire of every saint, but we don’t do it out of obligation or as some payment plan for God’s gift of salvation. What He offers is completely free, no ties, no restrictions. He only wants our love and a relationship with us.”
Tori bit her lip. Yeah, she knew that. But somehow, she never felt worthy of such a lavish gift. “You don’t know what I’ve done.”
“I know what you told me, and I have an inkling of the rest. But look at what I’ve done! I put many saints in reformation camps where some were killed. How do you think I live with that?”
Tori shifted her gaze to Nyla. “I didn’t know that.”
“God can even use our horrid pasts to serve Him.”
“Really? How?”
“Think of it. You got involved in the occult, so you know how evil spirits work. Didn’t you tell me that you see demons on occasion?”
Tori nodded.
“So, God used your knowledge of the occult to help you understand our enemy and how he operates. That’s huge.”
Tori blew out a sigh. “Yeah, but I didn’t spot Aaron, didn’t see he was evil until he’d done a lot of damage.”
“But youdidspot him eventually. And you passed the other tests.”
“Tests?”
“Yeah. You told me about the drones, the tsunami, the tornado, and the cliff. You knew they were spiritual attacks. Most people wouldn’t have been able to figure that out. So you see, God chose you for that exact purpose. No one else but you could have brought Brianna and her girls to safety. And now, I have a feeling He’s got other plans for you here at UnderHisWings.”
“You think?”
“Yeah. I do. I sense it deep in my spirit.”
Tori smiled. She’d never considered that God could use her evil past to help others. She’d not even looked at all the disasters they’d encountered as tests. And more importantly, she’d never really felt worthy of God’s forgiveness.
“God loves you, Tori. So much. Stop trying to make up for your past, and just allow the Holy Spirit to guide your future.”
A sense of peace blanketed her, caressing away her fears and sorrows. Joy burst within her, followed by an overwhelming love so strong, she could not fathom it. She began to laugh, to giggle, to shake her head at her own stupidity.
“Your angel is smiling.” Nyla gestured behind Tori, and she glanced back, but saw nothing.
“He is?”
“Yup. And many others are rejoicing.”
Tori wiped tears from her cheeks. “Don’t tell Carla, or she’ll get up and start dancing.”
They both laughed.
“But what about Thomas?” Tori asked when they both settled down. “I feel like I should at least go and see if he’s alive, maybe rescue him?”
“Ah, so little you against the entire NWU?”
“I guess that sounds stupid.”
“If the Holy Spirit leads you to go, then go. God will be with you. Otherwise…”
“I need to stop trying to do things on my own and trust God.”
