When I first met Tarek in the very first Alburnium story, Illuminated, he was supposed to be a throw-away character. Little did I know at that time that Tarek had his own story that he wanted told. Turns out, Tarek is not what he first seems. Not at all. If you have not read any of the White Road Chronicles or White Road Tales stories, be warned that there may be spoilers in this post. The first books of both series are available for free. Click the series page links to find out where you can get your copy
The Story Behind Tarek's StoryFor me, Tarek was that person in your life that doubts your Faith, your Beliefs, Your Desire to follow Kingdom ways. Tarek had been brought up in a home that was ruled by a father who said that he would never be subjected to any ruler. Yet, we are each faced with following the world or kingdom ways, aren't we? Each and every day. As Tarek progressed on his journey, and began seeing the truth of what was out there, his family influences were challenged. The last thing to go was his fear of submitting to the Prince. But in the Chronicles books, Issah is patient, like our Lord in reality is patient. He has no trouble waiting out all of our objections and challenging them one by one. Tarek represents that part of us that fears to hope because we are worried that we'll be disappointed. We fear that it won't work out as we hope things will work out. But the Bible says in Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Tarek was also afraid of his abilities. Afraid of what he could, or couldn't do. We've all been given natural talents, or skills, things we are just good at. Crafting? Writing? Caregiving? Hospitality? Organizing? Management? Leading? I could go on. Sometimes, deep down, we are hesitant to step onto the path the Lord has set before us. Sometimes we fear that we'll not measure up, or that we'll fail miserably. Or, even that the path He has set before us might take us somewhere that we don't wish to go. But here's what the Bible says about that in Matthew 11:28-30... “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Ah, fellow traveler, don't let your fears trip you up. Here's something I heard and have kept tucked into my heart. God does not call the qualified. He qualifies the called. He knows what we are capable of. I mean, He designed us, didn't he? So with gifts comes training. He is ready and eager to show us how best to use our gifts to build up the Kingdom and help it thrive. Are there any fears holding you back at the moment? Give them over to the Lord. Let him carry your burdens. Take his hand and ask for him to reveal the path he has set before you. “Peace I leave with you;my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. “ John 14:27 The Kingdom needs everyone of us to do our part. We can't, and aren't expected to do it all. If we'd only focus on doing our little part, think of how much better this world would be?
Blessings and Peace to each of you! J. R. C.
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Author InfoJackie Castle is an author, artist and dreamer. She lives in Texas with her husband, two grown children and her dog, Banjo. She looks for the extraordinary in the ordinary in everything she experiences. Keep Up With Story World News!Signup for news and special offers! Thank you!You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Archives
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