Master Potter

by Jill Austin

  With no other options, she finally allows Amazing Grace to gather her into his comforting arms. He rocks her gently and whispers words of hope as he helps her to pour out her anguished heart until all she feels is the empty void of her children’s absence.

  Emotionally spent, she falls into a fitful sleep in his arms, giving her aching mind and body some much needed relief. When she awakens a few hours later, Amazing Grace is once again lovingly attending to her.

  Beloved blushes and looks away, ashamed of her past choices and her recent tantrum. “I made a mess out of everything, didn’t I? I’m so sorry I didn’t listen to you. Can you ever forgive me?”

  He gently reassures her, “Yes, Beloved. I forgive you. You were never out of my sight. I’ve longed for you and grieved that you didn’t follow me but I never left you.”

  “Why couldn’t I see you?”

  “I wear many disguises, and you’ve seen only a few. I’ve come to you as a voice in the wind, tongues of fire, a dove and even a cloaked guide.”

  Revelation dawns on her. “Holy Spirit? Is that You?

  “I come in many different forms and manifestations. But it’s imperative that you learn to recognize My voice and obey Me.”

  “But why didn’t You show Yourself? If I had known it was You I would have followed!”

  “No, Beloved! You wouldn’t have followed Me. You chose to take the easy way out of the wilderness. Pain and discomfort seemed an unnecessary hardship to you at that time, but in the end it would have brought you life. The easier path you chose was an illusion of lies producing only death and great loss.”

  “I came into the wilderness all healed up; now I’m divorced and I don’t have my children. I’m such a failure. I made a mess of everything, didn’t I?”

  “Yes, but Master Potter has marvelous ways of restoring the enemy’s devastation and our wrong choices.”

  “But, my whole life is destroyed.”

  “Master Potter still loves you, and we need to go to Him. So, I’m asking you again, will you follow Me?”

  Faces of her children crying reappear before her eyes as she struggles with the thought of leaving them at Deeper Life.

  Feeling overwhelmed with grief, she buries her face in the folds of Amazing Grace’s brown robe, sobbing uncontrollably, and recommits herself to the journey.

  “Yes, I want to go to Master Potter.”

  “We’ll stay here a few days until you are well enough to travel and then we’ll continue your journey.”

  After weeping for a long time, Beloved struggles to regain her composure. “It’s…just so…it’s just so hard…to leave them.”

  Putting His comforting arms around her, Amazing Grace rocks her back and forth. “I know, Beloved, I know.”

  Beloved sleeps fitfully off and on for the next two days as her body tries to regain its strength. Her restless dreams are filled with visions of Purity, Crusader, Death, Valiant, Amazing Grace, the angels and the awful events of her last hour at Deeper Life.

  Before the sun comes up the third morning, Amazing Grace awakens Beloved and they slowly disappear into the dawn, leaving her children and Deeper Life Commune behind.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

  DRESSED FOR BATTLE

  Numbness fills Beloved’s broken heart as she stumbles and falls in her weakened condition. Supporting her weary and fragile frame, Amazing Grace helps her walk over the sand dunes toward the steep mountain trail ahead.

  They create a strange spectacle. Amazing Grace, still wearing His long, brown hooded robe, looks like a cloistered desert monk. And Beloved, tattered and bruised, looks like a little wandering waif He’s found.

  Once they are a half-day’s journey from the commune, the two wilderness wanderers stop to rest. Amazing Grace gives her food to eat and water to drink from His leather pouch. After she’s eaten, He tenderly bandages her head and applies ointment to her swollen and blackened eyes. Saddened that she’s so wounded from the violent encounter at Deeper Life, He speaks soft and gentle words of encouragement.

  “I missed you so much. It’s so good that you are back with Us.”

  The tender ministry of her desert friend imparts renewed strength in her weary body and mind. He lifts her to her feet and holds her close.

  Unbeknownst to her, suffering and pain are doing a mysterious work of drawing her into deeper levels of prayer and trust with Amazing Grace. Once their respite is over and night is falling, He quietly resumes His place in front of her on the narrow desert path. Leading her deeper and deeper into the wilderness, He turns and looks into her eyes.

  An unspoken understanding passes between them as He points to the brilliant star twinkling overhead. Beloved blushes and they both smile at each other and chuckle. “I understand,” she replies. “Don’t stop following the star, no matter what.”

  “Remember, Beloved, I will never leave you, even when you can’t see Me. You’re never alone; My eye is always upon you. Valiant is with you too.”

  “What are You doing when I can’t see You?”

  “Watching and interceding on your behalf.”

  Beloved smiles and gazes up at the star. When she looks back to the trail she realizes that Amazing Grace has vanished.

  “I will follow the star,” she states resolutely as she begins down the path.

  ALONE BUT NEVER ALONE

  Hours pass and her steps become laborious. The cold night air brings its own kind of misery to her stiff, aching muscles—a misery she had forgotten long ago.

  Death and his demonic horde hide in the barren rocky pass waiting to cruelly ambush and torment the fragile vessel with their poisonous river of lies.

  Death screams at his demonic troop, “After ten years of waiting, I had her in my hands. Now she’s back in the enemy’s camp!” Sneering viciously at a nearby cohort, Death vents his anger with a swift kick to the demon’s stomach. “Master is not going to be pleased. We can’t return until we have our trophy, whether dead or alive. Her body is tired again so we must go after her now. Her greatest vulnerability is her children. That is how we shall attack. Each lie must be carefully designed to wear her down a little more.”

  The demons position themselves along the trail and begin their accusations. “What kind of mother are you, leaving your children behind? They’ll hate you forever for abandoning them. Crusader already does! Did you see how he looked at you?”

  “Why don’t you turn around and beg Enchanter to take you back?”

  “Oh Lord!” she cries through muffled sobs, “What have I done? Maybe I should go back!”

  The twisted words tear at Beloved’s heart and mind. The taunts continue, “You always told yourself you wouldn’t do what your mother did, but you turned out just like her! She never protected you, and you aren’t protecting Purity and Crusader!”

  “You’re no better than she was!”

  Their lies reverberate against the steep cliffs, creating evil echoes of destructive accusations.

  “Your life is over! There’s no point in living without your children!”

  Beloved covers her ears and lets out a painful groan, “I can’t bear it, Lord! I want to die!”

  AMBUSHED BY SUICIDE

  Her mind succumbs to the attack of the hypnotic voices until she’s drawn off the path to the edge of the steep crevice. Suicide’s raspy voice whispers, “All you have to do is take one step off this cliff and you’ll have peace. They’ll be glad you’re dead! Those children have already forgotten about you anyway!”

  “Yes, I want peace! I can’t live without them. Purity! Crusader! I know this is the best thing for all of us. Lord, please take care of them.”

  Moving closer to the edge of the cliff, Beloved takes a deep breath. Looking down at the long drop onto rocks and brambles makes her dizzy. She closes her eyes, holds her breath and prepares to step off.

  Suddenly Amazing Grace appears and slips His arm around her, pulling her back to safety.

  “Beloved, fight for life! I’m here to help
you. You don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, Beloved, but against demonic principalities and powers.”

  The words of Amazing Grace impart hope and faith. She cries out, “I don’t want to die! I want to live for Master Potter and my children!”

  Turning to command the dark forces He declares, “She has resisted you. You must leave now!”

  The enemy sullenly retreats for a moment and Amazing Grace walks her back to the path.

  “Beloved, you’re in heavy spiritual warfare, and the enemy is trying to kill you; but you must always remember that Master Potter loves you, even in your weakness.”

  “But I keep messing up His plan for my life,” says Beloved.

  “Master Potter has a destiny for your life and the lives of your children. You are the only one who can thwart Master Potter’s plan; the enemy cannot steal it from you unless you give up the fight. You must put on the whole armor of God to resist the fiery darts of the enemy.”

  As He speaks, ministering angels gather around to dress her for battle. A form-fitting bodice of golden mail is slipped over her torn dress. It has a delicate appearance but takes on an invincible power as the breastplate is strapped on.

  Then they place a silver crown of salvation upon her bruised head to protect her mind from the lies of the enemy. A golden belt of truth is girded about her waist and leather sandals are placed on her feet and laced around her calves. They hand her a glorious shield of light with the word “Faith” emblazoned in scarlet.

  Now dressed as a warrior bride, Beloved receives from Amazing Grace a sword with “The Word of God” engraved on its golden handle. He tells her, “As you speak the Word this sword will be activated. You are armed and dangerous. You are My Beloved—no longer a victim, but an overcomer.” In the spirit realm Valiant nods with approval, like a proud parent, as a holy glow emanates from Beloved’s being.

  A SECOND ATTACK

  No sooner has Amazing Grace disappeared than the demonic horde regroups and attacks again. A throaty voice sneers, “Do you really think speaking words into thin air can make a difference?”

  Two or three others join in, mocking, “Obviously your prayers haven’t done any good in the past; just look where you are now!”

  “Divorced! Childless! Homeless!”

  “Poor Forsaken. Poor, poor abandoned trash,” the scorn increases.

  “A complete failure! You couldn’t even follow a star!”

  Beloved stands against the onslaught at first, but wears down quickly. Soon her heart once again faints. “I’ve failed everyone, including Master Potter.”

  Quickly Amazing Grace reappears and says, “Don’t agree with the enemy. Put your shield up, get your sword out, and release the Word, Beloved. Remember how much Master Potter loves you and your children. With His weapons, you can win the day.”

  The mocking, venomous assault continues. “The reality is that Master Potter doesn’t care about your children. If He did, He would have rescued them.”

  “He sent you back to the wilderness to die.”

  “Die.”

  “Die, die, die, die,” the voices get louder and louder.

  THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT

  Fear assaults Beloved’s mind and she takes several backward steps. Touching her bruised heart with His fiery hand, Amazing Grace ignites flames of truth concerning the mysterious plan for her and her children. “Remember, Beloved, you’re not on your own. We are comrades in battle. All of Heaven is for you.”

  She feels strangely warmed and shakes her head as if waking up from a dream. She hears the clear voice of Amazing Grace as He proclaims, “Master Potter will rescue your children. The Word says, ‘He will contend with those who contend with me, and He will save my children.’”

  Supernatural anger rises up within her and she repeats His words with authority. She boldly declares to the demonic realm, “Master Potter will rescue my children. The Word says, ‘He will contend with those who contend with me and He will save my children.’”

  “Good, Beloved, speak the Word again. Let your voice be heard,” coaches Amazing Grace.

  As she continues to proclaim the word of faith, the sword in her hand becomes activated, giving off a brilliant, pure white light.

  Screaming, the demons declare “Divorced! Childless! Homeless! You’ll always be a disappointment to Master Potter. You’re a failure, Forsaken!”

  Amazing Grace proclaims, “You are His Beloved, forever. You can never lose His love. The enemy is a liar.”

  “I’m not Forsaken, I’m Beloved. You’re a liar and the father of all lies. Master Potter has a destiny for me and my children.” As the words flow from her mouth, she is amazed at the power and unction behind them. Where did that come from? she wonders.

  “That’s great, Beloved, you’re doing well. Remember the authority of God is behind your confession. Your speech is a powerful weapon. It builds your faith and cripples the enemy’s power.”

  She slices through the darkness, causing surges of resurrection power to explode into brilliant flashes of light. Her sword cuts through the atmosphere, leaving vaporous trails of sulfuric smoke as she wreaks havoc in the evil entourage.

  Warrior angels energized by Beloved’s prayers of faith charge into the battle on her behalf. Boldness arises from deep within her, courage she has never possessed. Constantly encouraged by Amazing Grace, she is fearless in the skirmishes that continue throughout the long cold night. “Look at them run, Beloved; you’re doing great. The battle is the Lord’s.”

  The clash of the angelic army and the demonic screeching hordes being driven back cause spiritual sparks to fly into the night. Glistening swords clash and wounded vile spirits explode in red sulfuric vapor. The Father looks down, pleased at the fireworks display on the desert mountains below.

  Amazing Grace mentors Beloved in spiritual warfare and the use of creative spiritual strategies. As she comes to trust Him, a deep camaraderie develops between them. They wage war against their common enemies as they continue to follow the star along the mountainous trail.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

  JOYOUS CELEBRATION

  The star fades as the first light of dawn peaks over the desolate mountains. Beloved painfully limps along the rugged trail. Her armor is dented from the many arrows hurled by the enemy but still in place.

  Her beautiful robe from her elegant wardrobe at Deeper Life is now beyond repair. It is caked with dried blood and smudged with dirt. The rips and tears expose the scrapes and bruises on her frail body.

  Her brown hair is matted with blood from the head wound she received from the angry mob. The piece of cloth Amazing Grace so lovingly applied to bandage her head has slipped off during the night skirmishes, and she rewraps it as well as she can.

  As the warmth of the sun’s rays rise above the surrounding mountains, she looks for a place to rest before the desert heat becomes unbearable. Beloved hears faint sounds from far off in the distance and her spirits rise slightly. Maybe she can find friendly people and shelter.

  As she gets closer she realizes it’s a song and thinks that maybe she recognizes it as one that Master Potter sang over her at His house. Am I hearing things? Despite her exhaustion, she pushes herself harder, struggling up the mountain path as quickly as she can.

  She catches phrases of the song as it is carried softly on the wind. “The Lord your God is with you…I am mighty to save.” Her heart leaps for joy. Could it really be true? Could Master Potter be here? Forgetting her wounds and how tired she is, she runs with a renewed energy.

  As she gets closer to the top of the ridge the song wafts over her. “I take great delight in you. I will quiet you with My love and rejoice over you with singing.”

  Is the journey through the wilderness over? It’s been ten hard years.

  MEETING MASTER POTTER

  From the top of the ridge she looks down and sees a wide valley hedged in on three sides with reddish rugged cliffs. Beloved is astonished to see a majestic white tent set up in the valley
below.

  It’s engulfed in brilliant glory with the same blazing pillar of fire she saw over Master Potter’s House years ago. On each corner and in the center of the beautiful tent are tall golden flagpoles glistening in the high morning sun.

  Colorful flags of purple, scarlet and sapphire fly at the top of each tent pole. They remind Beloved of the Master’s flagships anchored off Comfort Cove. The center pole flies a flag bearing Master Potter’s family crest of the lion and the lamb etched in gold. The lovely design work stands in stark contrast to the desolate sands and rock-strewn mountains surrounding it.

  Deep longing erupts in her heart as she sees Master Potter running towards her with His arms open wide, and it takes her breath away.

  In a deep tenor voice He sings out, “Come away with Me, My Beloved.” Leaping upon the mountains and skipping upon the hills, He is suddenly in front of her. Scooping her up, He affectionately embraces her, and she collapses in His arms. He swings her around in joyous celebration as she becomes covered in His flowing white robes. His fiery eyes of love look deeply into hers.

  He whispers lovingly, “Rise up, My love, My fair one, and come away with Me. For the winter is past and the time of singing has begun. I’ve missed you so.” He sings softly, “Beloved, Beloved, you are My Beloved.”

  CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

  THE TENT OF THE LORD

  With great love and gentle tenderness, Master Potter carries Beloved down the rugged mountain into His tent, singing all the way. He gently lays her on a long, cushioned couch covered with pillows. She opens her eyes and is astonished to see into the realm of eternity. There is no roof on the tent, only an open heaven. A thick, heavy cloud of glory and light saturates the tent and connects to the pillar of fire swirling above.