THIS PRESENT DARKNESS - WEEK 6 - CHAPTERS 17- 20

THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti

This has been a "picture is starting to emerge" reading week with This Present Darkness. The parts of the story, like random puzzle pieces that have been snapped together, are starting to take shape into a central form.

One of the parts that has been the most fun for me to watch in this book is the working of the angels, under the direction of God, to direct the footsteps of those searching for the answers in the swirling mess of Ashton. One of my favorite verses to put in graduation cards applies here, " and your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."( Isaiah 30:21) I would be remiss if I didn't mention Proverbs 3:5-6 here as well. Doesn't that give you such joy and hope? It does me. I get things so messed up sometimes, but God is in the business of untangling and redirecting to reach the end goal. Thank goodness! Back to the book. I loved the part where Armoth's sword pierced through the hood of the car, and Bernice ended up "running into" Kevin Weed. (I had to laugh at his last name.) Appointed places. Appointed times. I have experienced them in my own life, and it always gives me the reassurance knowing God is in the small stuff, the day-to-day stuff, right alongside me.

I also loved the continued view of scenes from a human perspective and then from a spiritual perspective. To see the Strongman surrounded by all of his demon cohorts and then to meet Alexander Kaseph was a light of understanding finally illuminating. Now we have arrived. The attack on the college finances, the desire of Kaseph to purchase the college - the happenings are starting to make sense. Langstrat's role in the process, the replacing of key individuals - the why is beginning to be answered.

There are so many other places to go here. The revealing of the Maidservant and her part in all of this, the increased attendance at Hank Busche's church (the troops are rallying), but it was a point that came up in the conversation between Hogan and Harmel that I am really thinking about as I close my book this week. The question of who is controlling whom in the relationship between Langstrat and her group and the "instructors." We, as humans, are such dumb sheep sometimes. We like to think we're in control, but we're not. We're always following something. As I sign off from this post, I find myself asking myself, "What is it that I'm following the most right now? Is it what I want to be following?" Self examination is never easy but is very important. Now the floor is open to you. What are you noticing, pondering about, meditating on? Comment away!