Legacy of the Dreams

Interlude 4 - A Battle Won

Looking back on the Thanksgiving of 2005, years later, it was remembered by Susan as the year her brother, Stephen Abernathy got saved. His family rejoiced with him, but it was in the heavens where the real celebration took place.

It was cause for jubilation amongst the heavenly hosts. The Lord Almighty smiled down on the Earth, upon His faithful who served him there, warriors in the battle between good and evil, heaven and hell, pleased by the fruit their work was bearing in accordance with His plan.

"Again, You have won this round," Satan acknowledged.

"I intend to win the war," the Lord declared. "Fight as you might against me, Lucifer, but every soul is precious to me. I will fight for each one, and this time I have won. A doubter of mankind has turned his life over to me. He talks to me daily now. His soul has a place in heaven, and he has a chance to succeed in his work according to my plan."

"I can still tempt him and cause him to fail, to deviate from Your plan, to prevent him from doing anything that might help others to succeed," Satan said.

"You can ... but I will lift him up again when he stumbles or falls, I will protect his family whenever he asks. One of the doubters has become one of my faithful ... it is in fulfillment of the prayers of so many and a part of my design," the Lord said. "In time, he will learn to listen only to me instead of you. With Jalyn and Cadence as his example, he will flourish in his efforts to listen to me."

"That may be, but there are still others cared for by Jalyn and Cadence who do not listen to You. They hear me above You. They like what I say. They are comfortable that way. They are self-righteous and arrogant and won't push themselves hard enough to do things your way, but especially when they believe my words are true. Because of that, they rarely listen to You ... even though they pray," Satan said.

"True," the Lord said.

"Perhaps I would do better by continuing my efforts there," Satan said.

"And I will still continue to battle with you for their souls and the success of their lives, every step of the way," the Lord said.

"There are two whose fight will not be long," Satan predicted.

"The timing for the end of lives is set by my decree," the Lord reminded him.

"And I shall not contradict Your commands; but Your plans are already in motion. The date You have set is known to me," Satan declared. "It is to You too. The battle for their souls will be a major one in this particular war."

"My servants will be ready," the Lord declared.

"As will mine," Satan said.

And the forces of heaven and hell turned their attention back to the Earth, preparing for the battle for souls to be fought for in the days ahead. With each side ready to act in regard to Satan's intended targets, all anxiously awaited the actions and decisions of the men of the Earth. All were eager to discover what their fate would be. When their time came, would they stand with the Lord? Or would they listen to Satan's whispers and ultimately fail, destined to be condemned or to live again.

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