The CALL

Chapter 8 - Freedom

As I stood next to Wisdom watching Stephen walk through the fences, he called out, What is the wall made of?

Fear. I watched Stephen stop and look at the wall. It was huge. Many never got past the fences, and I knew that this was a crucial test for Stephen. Without looking back, he called out again,

Will you help me climb it?

I can't help you, I responded. If I try to help you, it will only take you twice as long and be even harder. To conquer your fears, you must face them alone.

The more I look up at it the worse it seems, I heard Stephen say to himself. Stephen, you have made your first mistake.

What did I do? he cried out dejectedly, already full of fear.

You stopped.

What do I do now? I feel like my feet are too heavy to move.

Look at the hole you made in the fences, I said. Now look at the top of that wall, and start walking. When you get to the wall, keep going. Do not stop to rest. There is no rest to be found by hanging on the side of that wall, so just keep climbing until you get to the top. To my great relief, he started moving forward again. He was going much slower, but he was moving. When he got to the wall, he began to climb, slowly but steadily. When I knew that he was going to make it,

I went to the wall and quickly climbed it so that I could meet him on the other side. I knew Stephen would be thirsty, so I waited for him by a stream. When he got there, he was a little surprised to see me, but very glad. I was just as surprised to see the change in him. Not only were his eyes shining more brightly and clearly than ever, but he walked with a confidence and nobility that was stunning.
I had seen him as a soldier of the cross, but I had not seen him as the great prince who he obviously was called to be. “Tell me about it,” I said.

It was so hard to start walking again and then to keep walking, I knew that if I ever stopped, it might be too hard to ever start again. I thought about the ones you told me of, the ones who knew the name of the Lord, but had never climbed that wall to walk in faith in His name. I knew that I could become one of them. I decided that even if I fell, even if I died, I would rather die than stay in that prison. I would rather die than not see what is on this side and not make the journey that I am called to make. It was hard, even harder than I thought, but it is already worth it.

Here, drink from this stream. You will find all of the water and food that you need on the journey. It will always be there when you really need it. Let the hunger and thirst keep you moving. When you find the refreshments, rest for as long as they last, and then keep going. He drank quickly and then stood up, anxious to move on.

I will not see you again for a time, so there are a few things that I must tell you now that will help you on the journey. Stephen looked at me with a focus and brightness that was marvelous. Those who have known the greatest bondage will love liberty the most, I thought. I directed him to look at the highest mountain that we could see.

You must now climb that mountain. When you get to the top, look for as far as you can see. Mark well what you see, and look for the path that will lead you to where you are going. Make a map of the way in your mind. That is where you are called to go.

I understand, he replied. But can it be seen from one of these lower mountains?

I'm no longer afraid of climbing, but I am anxious to get on with the journey. You can see places from these lower mountains and get to those places much faster. You could choose to do that. It will take longer and be much harder to climb that high mountain, but from there you will be able to see much farther and see something much greater. The journey from the high mountain will also be more difficult and take longer. You are free, and you can choose either journey. You always take the highest mountain, don't you?  Stephen asked.