Faith Through Lifes War

Molly Shepherd stood at the train station anxiously awaiting the love of her life.  He had left for war before the two were married.  Molly was a good girl, faithful to the Lord, faithful to His house, and fully surrendered to God.  Since the Lord had placed Johnny in her life, she knew her course and was ready to take on God's call for her life.

She had sure direction and a great love in her heart for her dear Johnny "Oh! Will that train ever get here?" she exclaimed peering down the miles of distant tracks. "Are you waiting for someone?" inquired the southern voice of Jasmine O'Dell.  She, too, was waiting for her husband to return after four lonely years. Oh yes!" Molly beamed.

"My beau left for war almost two years ago.  He sent me a letter saying he would be on this train today and home sweet home for good!  I have missed him so much.  I couldn't bear to sleep one more night with him away!  We are finally gonna be married this weekend!"

Well I declare!  You must be excited! That's real nice to hear.  I'm happy for you.  Your fiancéé returns and a wedding?  "My, my!" said Jasmine. Yes, I can't wait until he arrives! Mama is cooking dinner and gathering family to celebrate.  She helped me pick out a few things for me and Johnny's new home.  So many dreams will finally come true! 

We have decided to have two children. Well, of course if that be the Lord's will and all, a boy and a girl; Jonathan, after his daddy, and Marry Anne.  I will tell you, this has got to be the happiest day of my entire lifetime!" Molly's eyes sparkled with stars of excitement.

"I will certainly be praying for you two love birds!  What's your Johnny like?" Molly looked up at the sky, as if Johnny's picture were in the clouds.  She reached into the depths of her heart and told about her husband to be.  "He's tall, strong, and  s-o-o-o handsome!  He's got the prettiest blue eyes I've ever seen, a gorgeous smile, and sandy blonde hair.  He cares for everyone, always looking after the little ones and helping family. 

That man loves the Lord with all his heart and soul!  Every decision he ever made, every word he has ever spoken, any place he went-it was because the Lord told him to.  That's why I trusted him when he said he was going to war.  I praise the Lord He sent me this man!  I adore him so! I can't wait to share my life with him and face the Lord's will together! "He's everything I want!"

"My husband's away too.  He's coming in on the same train.  He left before I had the baby so he gets to meet our daughter for the first time!  I know how you feel about missing him." Jasmine said, as she too began picturing her husband.That's wonderful! She is just darling! What's her name?" "Emily Jane."

"She looks just like you." "Is that the train?" Jasmine cried. "Look! I think it is!  They're here! Oh, Sugar, Daddy's home!" Jasmine swept Emily into her arm as she stood on her toes with the other hand over her eyes scanning the large crowd of soldiers. "Todd?" Her voice quivered slightly as her eyes met Todd's.  "Todd!  I'm so glad your home! I have missed you so much! 

This is our baby girl!" Jasmine turns to walk away with Todd and remembered her new friend was still standing there.  "Oh!  It was nice talking to you.  I'll see you around alright?" " Sure thing. Bye now!" Molly answered, turning her attention back to the crowd.  Molly carefully eyed each soldier up and down, trying to find her Johnny.  She longed to see him again.  "Where is my Johnny?  I don't see him anywhere!  Oh please come, Love, please come!"

"Excuse me, Ma'am." A gentle voice interrupted her thoughts. "Are you Molly Shepherd?" the soldier asked. "Yes sir.  May I help you?" "Mrs. Shepherd, I don't know how to say this," he hesitated. "Johnny, he...he didn't make it." "Didn't make it?" She repeated those hollow words.  "Are you sure?  This can't be!  He said he would be with me today!"  Molly's voice trembled with fear that she tried to hold back.  Her heart grew very heavy.  She felt dizzy as her dreams suddenly danced before her. 

She tried to hold on to the hope that might bring Johnny back to her."I'm sorry, Ma'am." He simply replied."You mean, Johnny is dead? No! No, please tell me he is on this train!  He has to be here!  He promised!  Please!"  She covered her face with her hands and began to weep.  The soldier hesitated and then consoled, "He was shot, and before he died, he asked me to pull this out of his pocket and give it to you.  If there is anything I can do for you Ma'am, please let me know.

I'm awfully sorry." "Thank you, sir." she whispered as she took the letter.  She backed away from the crowd, slowly opened the letter, and read the words.  "Darling, I miss you very much. My heart does ache being away from you and home.  You are in my every thought.  I am so looking forward to the day I can actually see your face.  If there is a change in God's plan, always remember that I love you. 

But there is a love much deeper than I could ever offer, and that is the love of Jesus Christ.  Without that love there would be no hope for  us to be together in eternity with Him.  I write this to help you be strong in Him.  Things are getting pretty bad out here, but God is in control. 

Just remember that if I don't make it home for some reason, I am safe in Heaven and waiting for you to get here.  Never give up.  Follow God's call for your life.  I miss you, my Love.  Johnny."Throwing the letter on the ground, she fell onto her knees, screaming at God! "Why, Lord?  Why? 

Why put him in my life and take him out again?  I can't see him one last time or say goodbye?  I don't understand!  I love this man with all of my heart and you know that!  Please!  Please bring him back to me!"  She wept bitterly, not able to believe it was true and yet, facing the cruel reality that Johnny was not at her side.  Her mixed emotions and torn heart poured out through her tears and her pain fell wet to the ground.  She lifted her eyes and caught sight of the letter. 

She gazed at it, remembering Johnny's words and was convicted by them. He told her to stay strong, and she determined in her heart to do so.  With nothing to do and no where to turn, she took her sorrow to the Lord."Forgive me, Lord." she prayed. "Help me to be strong and trust in your love and care.  I need you now more than ever! 

There is a reason you took Johnny from me and I trust you.  I'm so glad he's safe in the arms of Jesus!  And no matter how hard it seems, help me to get through.  Please comfort me!  Show me your will and I will follow you anywhere!"  Looking down at the letter, she kissed it and held it tightly to her heart, for she knew that was the closest she would come to Johnny until she met him again in Eternity.