A Revelation at Hand

The Final Test

Will Thomas is a mild-mannered young American man.   He is known for his compassion, his fellow man and his willingness to go to any limit to reach his goal regardless of what it may be.

Early one mid-July morning just before dawn, Will and his girlfriend was sleeping in their uptown apartment.  Suddenly, there came a knock at the door.  Will eased out of bed, slipped on his robe and slippers, and walked quietly to the door trying not to awaken his girlfriend.  Will was wondering who would be at the door this time of morning.  When Will opened the door, he was surprised to find a little old lady standing there.  Somewhat in a state of shock and still being half asleep, Will asked, “Madam, may I help you?”  The little old lady replied, “Mister, please.  I am lost, tired and hungry.  Will you help me?  If you turn me away, I don’t know what I’ll do.”  Will, being so kind-hearted, answered, “Come in and have a seat.”  The lady entered his apartment and took a seat on the sofa.  Will closed and locked the door, then walked over to the little old lady and continued, “Lady, what in the name of God are you doing out at this time of morning?  Do you realize it’s only 5 AM?  Who are you?  Do you have any family I can call for you?”

The little old lady only smiled at Will.  Then she replied, “It is of no importance who I am.  What is important is you.  I have watched you for some time now, and I’m convinced that I can help you, and at the same time help myself.”  This puzzled Will, so he asked, “Lady, what on earth are you talking about?  Who are you?  Besides, it seems to me that you are only needing help, not me!”  The little old lady said, “That was the only excuse I had to use to get inside.  My goal is to win you over.”  To this, Will said, “Lady, I don’t have any idea what you are talking about.  But if this is someone’s idea of a joke, it’s not very funny.  Now please, tell me what compelled you to knock on my door at this time of morning with this line about your needing help!?  Lady, if you’re not lost or in need, what on earth do you want?”

The little old lady replied, “I’ve come here to win you over!  You are what we call a borderline case.”  Will was beginning to get a bit upset and said, “A WHAT!?! Lady!! What are you talking about?  And again, who are you?”  By this time, Will’s girlfriend had awakened and was entering the living room where Will and the little old lady sat.  As she approached them she exclaimed, “Hey! What’s going on here?  Will, do you know what time it is?  Who is this old woman?”  Will replied to her, “Honey, I don’t know.  She knocked on the door seeking help and now she says she doesn’t need help.  Also she refuses to tell me who she is or what her game is.”

The little old lady just smiled and said, “Mr. Thomas, Mr. Thomas, I’m afraid that when I leave you, you’ll be leaving with me.”  Will was growing more angry with each word and his girlfriend was growing more upset.  Will said, “Lady, I’m not going anywhere with you.  Do you hear me?  Now, will you please leave?”  The little old lady replied, “Oh, but you are.  You see Mr. Thomas, you haven’t been listening to me.  I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, YOUR time has come, and I am bidding for your soul.  That’s my purpose for being here.  I know all about you and your strong will to overcome your weaknesses, and your determination to see justice prevail.  That’s why you are so vital to us.  You see Mr. Thomas, I am a representative of the fallen angel, and our records show that you live a good life, but that you also have devilish ways.  The scales are balanced, so your spirit must be put to final test to determine which side you will serve.”  Will was frightened by this and his girlfriend began to cry.  They knew what they were face to face with.  Will walked over and embraced his girlfriend and tried to comfort her by telling her things would be all right.  Will suddenly turned to the little old lady and said, “How in the name of God can someone like you be so mean...to frighten this poor girl half out of her wits?  Lady, I don’t care what you do to me but in the name of God, don’t hurt this poor girl.”  The little old lady quickly jumped to her feet and said, “Enough, enough.  Don’t mention that name again.”  With that, the little old lady ran to the back of the room and raised her hands over her head.  Smoke filled the room and the smell of sulfur was strong.  Flame poured from her eyes.