“Out of all the voices calling out to me I will choose to listen and believe the voice of Truth”
This Christmas as I walked through the stores, what tugged at my heart and filled me with longing were not material things, but rather memories. I walked through the bookstore and saw Christmas books that I read as a child, and they called to me. I longed to buy all of my favorite Christmas stories and curl up in a corner with hot chocolate and read. But the truth is I knew that reading the books would not fill the longing in my heart. The memories locked away in my mind were surfacing and calling out to be set free. Trying to relive those memories would never work. I had changed and my life has changed so much that I simply could not go back. So I walked on by and simply remembered. But as I remembered my favorite childhood books, a particular book surfaced in my memory and I could not rest until I had found it. So I searched on Amazon and bought it. This is a book that has stuck with me through thick and thin and has reminded me to always walk in Jesus’ footsteps.
The book is a Max Lucado book called “With You All the Way.” The book starts out with the King offering the hand of his daughter to the first knight who can prove himself worthy (there are 3 knights contesting). The knights had to pass a test, which turned out to be a journey through the dreaded forest of Hemlock; home to the conniving and evil Hopenots. The King gave each knight permission to choose one companion to go with him. They were to find their way through the dark and deadly forest by listening for the King’s tune, which would be played on his flute three times a day. As the story goes, the knights picked their companions and went on their way. The entire kingdom waited in suspense for the return of the champion. Finally, two men are seen making their way out of the forest. The King sent men out to meet them and tend to them, but the identity of the knight was kept a secret until the banquet that evening. The knight made his appearance and was asked to tell about his journey. “The hopenots were crafty. They attacked, but we fought back. They took our horses, but we continued. What nearly destroyed us, though, was something far worse. They imitated. Each time the song of your flute would enter the forest; a hundred flutes would begin to play. All around us we heard music – songs from every direction.”
The king enquired how he heard his song, and the knight replied. “I chose the right companion.” It was the Prince. “I knew there was only one who could play you song exactly like you. As we journeyed, he played your song. I learned it so well that though a thousand false flutes tried to hide your music, I could hear you song above them all. It was with me all the way.”
It is a simple book. But it has always convicted me and reminded me to not get distracted by all the voices around me. It reminds me to keep myself immersed in scripture, to always pray, and never stop listening. I don’t always do these things well, but I try. Every time I read the book, I am reminded that He is with me all the way.
Sarah, I loved this post! Thank you so much for sharing. This is something the LORD has had on my heart lately as well, immersing yourself in His word so that you can see even the best dressed lie when you put it next to His word. It is what Francis Chan was speaking about at Passion 2012 Live Stream. Sounds like a great book too! What a great way to capture His truth. Thanks and love yah friend! -Moe