Chapter 6


JONAS’ TEST OF FAITH

JONAS REACHED THE rock formation with the flowing water and cheerfully filled his bottle for the day’s trip. He was delighted with the prospect of new adventures and discoveries. He headed back from where he had come anxious to see if there would be more caves.

As he walked, he prayed and listened to the sounds of the island. Life, dependent on the Father, had taken on a new meaning. It was a new life of comfort, peace, and joy—a new life of many things to be learned, and a new life that included a relationship with a Father that every boy dreamed of knowing.

On this morning, Jonas noticed an unusual tree that hadn’t caught his attention before. He had never seen bark that looked like this. He removed his knife from the backpack and sliced off a piece of the bark. Inside was a soft, orange pulp. He held it close to his nose and was surprised at the pleasant fragrance. He cut off a piece and took a bite. As he sank his teeth into the pulp, it yielded a delicious juice similar to a melon. Jonas knew this was a good find, so he continued to eat.

While eating, he sat down on a thick tuft of grass and enjoyed the scenery. Jonas questioned why this part of the island was so different from the rest he had explored. The grass, the trees and the entire terrain were indeed different. It seemed to be more alive and more colorful, which made it more desirable.

He cleaned his knife on the grass and tucked it back into his backpack. He stood and took a quick glance around before deciding which way he would travel. Beyond the cave seemed to be an inviting area, so he embarked on his new journey.

The sky was blue with large, billowy white clouds, and darting across the sky on this side of the island was an assortment of birds gliding along effortlessly. The temperature was mild, and the breezes were warm. Jonas wished he had some human companionship to share this wonderful day; Joshua and Miguel immediately came to mind. He allowed himself a few brief moments to imagine the fun he could have with his two best friends on this island. Deep inside, though, Jonas longed most for his parents. Thinking about them generated a sad longing in his soul, so he began to pray.

“Father, I ask that You keep my parents safe from the enemy. Please provide for all their needs in the same way that You have been taking care of me. Please help them find me.”

Jonas sighed and drew a breath of relief knowing his prayer would be answered. He began to sing hymns of praise as he went along, when he suddenly stopped in his tracks. He realized he was singing a song that he had never learned before, yet he could hear it so clearly in his mind.

Jonas continued to sing this new song over and over again. His spirit leaped within him as he realized God was giving him a new song to sing. He raised his hands and praised the Lord. Then not wanting to risk forgetting the words, Jonas searched through his backpack for something to write with.

He was thankful when he found an old magazine picture in the bottom of the pack, and a pen. He began furiously writing the words of this new Holy Spirit-inspired song. He felt such elation from this gift of his Father.

“Father, I want to know You better! Lord, I am Your son. I want to be just like You! I want to be able to show Your goodness and power to all those I come in contact with.”

God did not speak audibly to Jonas, but He was pleased, and He was smiling. He was delighted that His son was operating in faith.

Jonas had finally grasped the true revelation of being joint heirs with Jesus, and he was ready for the miraculous. Like every eleven-year-old boy, he was ready for the fireworks. He pulled his Bible out and began reading the miracles of Christ in the New Testament. As he pored over the miracles, he was stirred by the compassion Jesus had for the sick and dying. Jesus was concerned with every human need, and He showed love for everyone.

Jonas came across the twelfth and thirteenth verses of John 14, and he read them over and over until they soaked deep into his spirit and heart: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”

As Jonas repeated the verses he began to feel and believe that, as a joint heir, he had this same power. He also began to have an awareness of a greater sense of love growing within him. It was difficult to understand this new empowerment, but he felt a new and overwhelming calmness settle around him. It seemed as if nothing could ever again scare him. His mind was at total peace with everything around him. Even thoughts of the enemy did not shake him.

Jonas decided it was time to head back to his drinking water and sleeping area for the night. As he walked he thanked God for making him His true son. “Father, You are so wonderful! There is no one like You, and You have given me so much. Thank You! I love You! O, Father, I love You!