THE ENCOUNTER WITH DISCOURAGEMENT
Patience woke early the next morning, the first rays of the sun brushing the rooftops of Harmonia. His body ached from hunger, and his mind was heavy with the memories of the day before—the laughter, the stones, and the harsh words of the market women. Yet, as always, he whispered a prayer before stepping into the streets.
"Lord, give me strength to face today. Protect my heart. Let me hold fast to the product of truth, no matter what."
With Stiffness beside him, carrying a small basket of goods, he walked toward the marketplace. His heart, though tired, carried the quiet fire of faith.
As he walked past the first few stalls, a man suddenly appeared before him. His robes were dark, his eyes sharp, and his smile was crooked. He radiated a subtle menace that Patience felt in his bones immediately.
"Good morning, young man," the stranger said, his voice smooth and slippery. "You are Patience, yes?"
Patience nodded cautiously. "I am. Who are you?"
The man's smile widened. "They call me Discouragement. I have been watching you. Tell me, why do you continue this… this foolishness?"
Patience frowned. "Foolishness? I am not foolish. I sell the product of truth. I speak of the celestial king and the ways of God."
Discouragement's smile twisted into a sneer. "The ways of God? The people of Harmonia mock you. They call you poorest, a beggar, a fool. And for what? Words? Empty promises? Look at yourself—hungry, scorned, despised. You are nothing."
Patience's eyes narrowed, yet he remained calm. "I am nothing in the eyes of men. But in the eyes of God, I am His servant. That is enough."
Discouragement laughed harshly, a sound that echoed through the marketplace. "Enough? Enough won't feed your belly. Enough won't give you respect. Enough won't make the city bow to your feet. Listen to me, Patience. There is a way to change your life. Wealth, influence, power… all can be yours."
"I do not seek worldly wealth or the approval of men," Patience replied firmly. "My heart belongs to God. His approval is all I need."
Discouragement's eyes gleamed with cunning. "Ah, noble words. But let me be frank. If you want the people of Harmonia to respect you, if you want food in your belly, you must stop selling truth. Start selling lies, deceit, half-truths. People love lies—they embrace falsehood. Do this, and you will rise above your poverty. Refuse, and you will remain a laughingstock forever."
Patience stood his ground. "I cannot do as you say. The product of truth cannot be sold for personal gain. I serve God, not men. Lies and deceit have no place in my life."
Discouragement shook his head slowly. "Fool! You are blind! You could have it all—money, status, comfort. Instead, you choose to starve, to be mocked, to be nothing."
Patience's voice grew firm, yet gentle. "I may starve, I may be mocked, but my soul will not be lost. I will not abandon the path of truth."
Discouragement stepped closer, lowering his voice, speaking as though sharing a secret. "Come now, just one taste of the pleasures of life. Why toil endlessly for what men do not want? There is gambling, wine, women—pleasures to soothe the heart. One night, one gamble, and you could forget all this suffering. You could be a man like the rich merchants, feared and respected."
Patience shook his head, stepping back. "I will not. My body and my heart belong to God. I will not sin for ease or comfort."
Discouragement's expression darkened. "So be it," he said bitterly. "But know this, Patience: your stubbornness will cost you dearly. You will remain poor, scorned, and miserable while others laugh and feast. Mark my words."
Patience looked him in the eye, his tone unwavering. "I will endure. God sustains me. His Spirit strengthens me. And even if all men turn against me, I will not turn from Him."
Discouragement's lips curled in disdain as Patience walked past him, his back straight, his steps steady. "Coward!" he shouted after him. "One day, you will regret this. One day, the world will break you, and you will beg for my counsel."
Patience did not turn. He only whispered, "Lord, protect my heart from the schemes of the enemy. Shield me from the darkness that seeks to turn me aside."
The marketplace remained noisy, the children laughed, the merchants jeered—but Patience walked calmly through it all. Every insult, every mockery, every stone thrown, he took as a test of faith.
When he returned home that evening, Stiffness noticed the weight on his shoulders. "How was it today, my love?" she asked.
Patience sighed, sitting down on their small mat. "The same as always. Discouragement appeared. He tried to tempt me with wealth and comfort if I abandoned the product of truth. He tried to make me see lies as easier, more profitable. He even offered me games of chance, women, and pleasures that men chase blindly. But I refused."
Stiffness took his hand in hers. "You have done well, Patience. I know it is hard. The world is cruel. But you remain steadfast. I am proud of you. God is with us."
Patience leaned his head against her shoulder. "It is not easy, Stiffness. The temptation is subtle, yet strong. Men like Discouragement do not give up easily. They seek to weaken hearts, to turn the faithful aside. I fear not for my soul, but for my perseverance."
Stiffness nodded, her eyes glistening. "Then pray, my love. Pray for courage, for endurance. Even if the city mocks you, even if the market rejects your product, God is faithful."
Patience looked toward the small window of their home, where the last light of the sun faded into the horizon. "Lord, strengthen me. Keep me faithful. Let no scheme of Discouragement sway my heart. I am Your servant, and I will not betray Your truth."
That night, they prayed together until their voices were hoarse, their spirits intertwined in hope and faith. Outside, the shadows lengthened, the city darkened, but inside their small home, a light glowed—a light of perseverance, of loyalty, and of unwavering devotion to God.
Even in poverty, even in mockery, Patience and Stiffness stood strong. And though Harmonia despised them, the heavens were listening.