(Daniela means “God is my judge”)
(Alvaro means “Nobel
guardian”)
The sound of her heart pounding
wasn’t the only thing Daniela couldn’t ignore. Large tree branches and vines
seemed to reach out and try to pull her down as she ran by. She couldn’t stop
though. There was no time to worry about her cuts or bruises – not now at
least. Daniela had to find the city before nightfall. There was no other way
around it. If she could just make it to the city, she told herself, she might
be saved. She knew she couldn’t live another day out there. She wouldn’t
survive. She would succumb to the evil that was everywhere. Sin was hot on her
trail – so were Rebellion, Addiction and Pain. And Fear. Oh, the Fear that
never left her alone for a minute! If she didn’t find rest for her soul, they
would end up destroying her.
Alvaro was the night watchman. He
was in charge of keeping the city safe and would sound an alarm if there was
danger. Alvaro was old and wise. He had been doing this line of work for a long
time. He knew what to do in almost every situation. So when there was a
pounding on the door just as he had turned in, he wasn’t too surprised or
concerned. After all, he was available 24/7. That was part of his job
description.
As the door opened, Daniela fell
into the room, exhausted and scared. “Please, you have to help me,” she sobbed,
“I have nowhere else to go and there is evil all around. They will not rest
until I belong to them.” Alvaro nodded kindly, “Of course, my dear. I
understand. I myself came here on the run over 30 years ago. You are safe and
you are welcome in this city.”
Daniela was unsure, “What do I have
to do to live here? I have heard stories.”
Alvaro motioned Daniela to a chair.
He put on a pot of tea and said, “My dear, the King is merciful and kind. He
would never ask you to do anything that would be too hard for you.” “What is
the first step?” Daniela asked. “Of course you would want to speak to the King,
Alvaro answered. “You would need to get to know Him and then you could decide
whether you want to live here.”
Now Daniela’s heart was heavy. “You
don’t know my life,” she said bitterly. “I have done many things to hurt the
King and His servants.” The look Alvaro gave Daniela was a look of pure love.
“My dear,” he said, “we have all done things to hurt the King.” “No!” Daniela
spit out. “You DON’T understand! I am the worst of the worst. I have done
everything I could to purposely harm this kingdom. I seriously doubt the King
will even want to look at me.” She put her head down and sobbed. Alvaro smiled
a wise and knowing smile, “Daniela, the King will take anyone. He will see
anyone. It doesn’t matter who or what they are. I know it doesn’t make sense
but it is true. The King loves everyone – even you. You will see tomorrow.
There is hope for you because of the King.”
All night long, Fear and Doubt and
Unbelief pounded on the door of that little house, trying to get to Daniela.
All night long Alvaro stood watch with his prayers. He knew that the King’s
enemies weren’t allowed to come into his property so he wasn’t afraid. In
prayer he wove a covering over Daniela so she would be protected. She could
hear the Enemies pounding but she knew she was safe here in this city. It held
hope and it held a future for her that no other place in the world could. She
knew that. She wasn’t sure what the next day would bring but she was sure
willing to find out. Her life up to that point was too much of a mess to want
anything else but than to find a Savior. Maybe there really was hope here. She
needed a way out of that other world. Maybe, just maybe the King would offer
her that.
Matthew 11:28-29
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Copyright 2008. Stories of The King. All rights reserved.
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