"Hidden In The Forest"

His chosen soldiers venture on, to paths they know not why.
God gives them armor, protects with shields, and beacons them to fly.

His valiant warriors, reserved for last, to fight the darkest foe.
To usher in, the King of kings, the millennium oft foretold!

But some in battle falter, and seek refuge in the trees.
For pain and sorrow haunts them. Recovery seems unseen.

Their scars so deep that plague them, and hurt that never sleeps.
They stay in forests hidden, where injuries won't repeat.

"Oh Lord, My God, what happened here? My blessings they did flee!
I'm safer kept, from world and fear, yet comfort I do plea!"

"My child I urge thee onward! Stand up, upon thy feet!
Thy calling is not in shadows, nor places of defeat!"

"Thou askst thyself; 'There must be more? A mission to complete?'
Rise up my child! Move up the hill! Where sky and mountains meet!"

"I need thy help, to save them all, a world that's lost in sin.
Thy charge is but to serve them. Thy Savior's fight to win!"

"The wounds that thou hast suffered, shall not be with thee long.
For soon in glory risen, thou shalt sing triumphant songs."

"So, put back on thy armor! Be faithful to the end!
Join with me in victory! Promised blessing, I will send!"

"I know the peaks are daunting! Impossible to bear!
But with my help, thy hand in mine, we'll go where no man dare!"

DEDICATED TO A DEAR FRIEND AND BROTHER.

POET'S COMMENTS

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:" (Ephesians 6:10-17)

Those mortals who have joined the Church of Jesus Christ in these last days before the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, were held in reserve to come forth to earth at this time. In order to establish His kingdom before the millennium, Heavenly Father needed His most valiant spirits. These souls would fight His battles in the final days. And even though, God would endow them with priesthood powers to lay a firm foundation in this the last dispensation of the fulness of times, some would be wounded in battle.

Satan would be active in full force. His legions would target the most valiant. The very elect would be tested to their limits. (Matthew 24:24) "Men's heart would fail them, and the world would be in commotion." (Luke 21:26, D&C 88:91-92) This life would be difficult for all that were chosen.

There is wonderful hope and advice to be found in the New Testament. God gives the same counsel today, that Paul gave the Romans. He encouraged them to believe as Abraham believed. (Romans 4:20-21) "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform." We must believe that in our Heavenly Father's greatness to achieve any end and to keep every promise.

God assures us that with His companionship we can overcome, and endure all trials. "But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26) There is no mountain, that we cannot climb with his help!

There are many valiant, good souls who are frozen and unable to move forward in their progression. They have been wounded. They are numb from trials, paralyzed with worry, and fearful to trust again. Their feelings are real, though their vision has been obscured.

Because they no longer see their potential, nor do they see what God sees in them. As a brother or sister, we must love them, and help them realize their greatness. We can help restore their 20/20 vision again. These must be rescued, healed, and invited back to their place with the elect at His sacrament table, and in His Holy House. These are they with whom we must lock arms, and fight Christ's battle together. Their talent and gifts are needed. They were chosen in the preexistence, they were chosen here on earth, and they will be chosen in heaven, if we can but restore their blessings once again. This is Christ's great hope, and our calling and mission. May every child be restored to God's side.