Submitted Christian Writings
A DIFFICULT JOURNEY
A band of travelers set out one day to go to meet the King who lived in the largest
castle in the land. They had heard many stories about Him, and his kingdom and had decided
they would try and make their way there to stay with Him.
In their land were many roads leading in all directions to many different places, some
barely traveled, so their surface was smoother, while other roads including the one to the
Castle were more well worn, and as a result harder to walk on. So the travelers
found themselves having difficulties at times with this terrain, some more than
others.
Sometimes one or another would take a different road hoping to find an easier way
to the Kingdom, but every time they had to be rescued and brought back to the first road,
as the other roads were deceptive, starting out easy, but then becoming full of dangerous
animals and deathly traps.
Then one day, one of the group took very ill along the way and after a while, he fell
to his knees saying he was too ill to continue on this road. Nobody in the group knew how
to help him, although each tried hard to lift him up, but he was too weak to stand.
Now afar off in the Castle, the King had seen the travelers coming along the road and
he saw that one in particular was having a really hard time coping, so he sent his Son to
see if help could be given.
The Son took 2 helpers with him and hurried to the aid of the group. When he arrived,
the Son looked at the ill man, and said to him "I know you - we were friends many
years ago and I've been waiting for you since. My Fathers House isn't very far now as you
can see, but you are too ill to walk any further, so I will get my helpers here to
carry you on ahead so that you might get rest from your labors and healed from your
sickness".
The man looked at the Son and asked forgiveness for the many years apart, but he dearly
wanted to get to know him again and would gladly go with the helpers.
The group looked at each other, each thinking they didn't want to be parted from their
friend, for they had traveled many times together and enjoyed his company, and they were
sad as the helpers lifted him and carried him on ahead.
The Son said to them - "Be glad for him, as he will get strength and support in my
Father's house and it won't be long now before you'll get there yourselves. As you have
lost your companion perhaps you won't mind if I join you and walk with you to make sure
you don't lose your way."
Some of the group were still upset and unsure about what they should do, some
questioning why the Son had done this to them - parted them from a dear companion.
