He’s not listening to you anymore.He’s tired of your rebellious ways.
The words struck her in the gut with their truth.How many chances would God grant her before she learned to trust Him?
Innumerable.
Gabrielle looked around for the source of the voice, but no one stood nearby.Still, the peace and love it suddenly brought gave her no doubt as to the source.Could God be that merciful, that forgiving to His children?
Cadan tore his shirt over his head and tossed it aside.Whirling his blade before him, he jerked hair from his face and grinned at Damien.
Damien, on the other hand, remained in his purple doublet over a suit of silver brocade, one side of his lips quirked in a victorious grin, while he took an imperious stance on the deck as if he were playing a sport.
The two men couldn’t be more different.
Her gaze swept back to Cadan.She loved him.She knew that now.Despite that he had kidnapped her and used her as bait, despite that he drove her utterly and completely mad, he was a good man, brave and resolute, a champion of justice, and yet chivalrous and tender when need be.
And she didn’t ever want to live without him.
Matthew ceased wailing, and she glanced his way, fearing the worst, but he remained in the pirate’s arms, snuggled against his filthy waistcoat.
Oh, Lord what is to become of us?She closed her eyes for a mere second, but when she opened them again, the pirate who had been her guard appeared.He stood with authority and confidence between her and Matthew, a most peaceful look on his face.
“Who are you?”she asked him, not expecting an answer, for he had never spoken to her before.
But he turned her way and smiled.“I’ve been assigned to guard you and the child.”
His voice was smooth like silk and carried with it a peace that now filled his eyes.
She didn’t know what to say.“Who assigned you?”
“The Captain.”
She glanced back at Cadan, taking his fighting stance.
“Cadan?”she asked, looking back at the pirate.
Smiling, he began to fade from view.“Nay.the Captain of Heaven’s Armies.”And then he was gone.
The Captain of Heaven’s Armies?The Lord Jesus?
Gabrielle’s knees turned to pottage, and she gripped the railing, lest she fall.So God had indeed sent an angel to protect her.Even when she’d been angry with Him.Even before she’d turned to Him and trusted Him.
Such love!She never knew such love existed.
Lord, I’ve been such a fool.
The clang of swords brought her gaze to Cadan and Damien, who had begun to fight.Fear trounced her joy.Fear for Cadan.Fear for Matthew.Fear God would not answer her prayers.
Nay!Perfect love casts out all fear.Isn’t that what the Scriptures said?How could she be afraid when she was now God’s daughter?She glanced at Matthew.Wouldn’t she do anything for her son?Even die?Wouldn’t she do anything and everything to help him, anything that would be for his ultimate good?
Of course!
Trust Me, Daughter.
She smiled, even as the mighty clang of blades rang through the air, even when everything—her very life—was at stake, even when all seemed lost.She smiled because she finally had a real relationship with Almighty God.He spoke to her, and she to Him.She could trust Him with everything, come what may, for they were only passing through this life.Eternity was all that mattered.And everything the Lord allowed was for the purpose of getting as many people there with Him as possible.
Drawing a deep breath, she lifted up a prayer for Cadan and turned to watch the fight, her heart soaring with hope.
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