As I fought my way through the defiant thorns and inched my way to the rocks, I thought of Job. Job lost all that he had. Did he curse God for his loss? No. He knew all, even his own life, hung in God’s hands.

He was rewarded for his efforts. New wife, new home, new children, new possessions. But, did that make him forget his first wife? His former possessions?

Job must have grieved deeply for his former estate while thanking God for the new. In his heart of hearts, his wife would always be present. He knew there’d be a rendezvous in Heaven.

As I slowly mastered the sharp and cutting stone, I thought of Jonah. To be taught a necessary lesson, he symbolized Christ’s own agony; he suffered three days and nights in the fish’s belly. He came out victorious.

He had a rendezvous with the sinful ones to whom he was destined to preach.

Hand over hand, I had nearly gained the top. I thought of Lazurus, Jesus’ friend. Lazarus died and even Jesus wept.

It must have pained The Lord deeply that He who had control over the grave had to take the life of one He held so dear. How it must have touched Christ with emotion I could barely fathom, when He returned his friend to Life again.

Then I thought, Did those who knew Job turn from their wicked ways to this giving God?  How many of the sinners Jonah preached to changed their lives and that of their generations? Did those who knew Lazurus and witnessed a dead man walking turn their lives to The Lord?

Bullets whizzed passed me. Most of them. Got some blood streaming from my right leg. Gonna try to make it!

At last! I’ve reached the top. I begin to fire my ammo, to try my best to maintain this position, so the rest of the troops can claim this rock. I’m hurting. Feeling faint. Lord, help me. Help me to defend this position. Lord, help my men.

As I grow weaker, I think of the unit. Will I rendezvous with them?

I think of my mom. Will The Lord allow me to rendezvous with her?

I think of my wife. Will The Lord see the ache in my heart and bless us with a rendezvous?