A Bride's Choosing

Christiana awakens in her chambers within Soulspring.

The morning light filtered through gossamer curtains, stirring Christiana from reverie. She gazed out at lush gardens aglow with color and resplendent blooms swaying on dewy stems. Her mind pondered the sacred texts clutched close, worn edges revealing treasures glimpsed again and again. A deep longing stirred within for her beloved bridegroom, face unseen but presence felt with each whisper on the breeze.

Sitting up, Christiana smoothed the folds of her white gown, simple yet radiant in the light. The fabric shimmered as she stood, a reminder of the purity she strived to maintain. A new day dawned, offering the promise of communing with her Lord in this place of joy and peace. Christiana ventured into the gardens, inhaling sweet scents that lifted her soul. Among colorful blossoms, others kneeled in prayer or lifted voices in song, their faces radiant with unspoiled joy. Their evident peace in the Lord inspired her own spirit.

Yet she could not ignore the lingering queries nagging at the edges of her mind. Was her faith as pure and steadfast as she wished? What tests might come to shake her resolve?

As she walked, unaware, a darker presence lingered nearby. Satan observed Christiana from the shadows, sensing her private struggles. A cunning smile curled upon his lips, for in perceived weakness he saw opportunity to sow seeds of vanity and doubt. With stealth and guile, he would await the perfect moment to disrupt her faith and ruin her divine union before it began. For now, he watched and waited. Christiana knelt among drooping blooms, opening her well-worn book of Scriptures. As she prayed, a soft whisper caressed her ear: "I am with you."

Looking up, Christiana glimpsed a radiant figure approaching through the garden. Jesus' eyes shone with compassion and truth that lifted her soul still higher.

"My child, let no doubts trouble your heart," he said kindly. Together, they spoke of the sacred texts, finding refuge in promises of redemption. Jesus described God's deep love for all mankind, shown through his coming sacrifice.

Darkness fell gently as they conversed. Christiana listened, fascinated, as Jesus conveyed the extent of grace he would offer lost souls. Though questions nag, his comfort soothes her fears. In his presence, she found solace and strength renewed to walk the garden path bathed in moonlight, at peace. Under the silvery moonlight, Christiana journeyed deeper into the garden. A rustling from nearby bushes made her pause.

"Greetings, child. I hope I did not startle you," said a softly spoken voice. Emerging from the shadows, a dazzling stranger made her catch her breath. His features seemed fair and pleasing, though she sensed cunning beneath the surface charm.

"I could not help noticing your troubled spirit earlier," he continued smoothly. "Take no heed of Jesus' warnings; there is more to life than sacrifice and service." His silky words played upon doubts like fingers on lute strings. "With me, you would know fulfillment and the power to shape your own destiny."

Christiana hesitated, swaying under the heady promises. Unwilling to relinquish her faith just yet, she made the decision to withdraw politely.

The stranger's charming smile twisted into a sneer. "Mark me well, foolish girl. I will disrupt your sacred union before it starts." With that vow still hanging in the night air, he dissolved back into the concealing foliage. Christiana hurried from the darkened gardens, her heart pounding. The stranger's alluring promises and veiled threats whirled through her mind.

Seeking solace, she fell to her knees in prayer, beseeching her Lord for clarity and protection from earthly wiles. Yet doubt had taken root, and she struggled to cast off Satan's seeds of confusion.

Resolving to cling fast to faith, come what may, Christiana rose and made her way back to the chambers. Unease lingered at the tests she might soon face, for Satan's vow echoed still. Unless the Almighty strengthened her failing discernment with poured-out grace, she did not know how her purity could withstand his cunning guile.

Wishing only for her beloved rest, Christiana sank onto feather-soft covers with a sigh. Sleep took her swiftly into dreams filled with shadowy gardens and enticing strangers, leaving her no wiser than the gray dawn. The deep longing in her heart remained for her true bridegroom and the light He alone could bring.