Page 43 of Gideon

“What?” Nikki said.

“That God is with us.” He looked at Gideon. “Now that’s done, what’s next?”

“You’re eager,” Nikki said.

“After a show like that, you bet I am. My wife and I have been praying for this for years. I can’t believe it’s finally happening.”

“Slow down a second,” Gideon said. “We don’t know for sure what God’s doing.”

“What do you mean? You saw the fire. What we did tonight is going to change everything.”

“This is one step.”

“I know. And I’m ready for the next one.”

Gideon’s eyes slid to Nikki, then to the ground. “I’m working it out still.”

“God was clear about the poles,” Nikki said. “I’m sure he’ll be clear about what’s next.”

“I thought you said he had a plan to save the town,” Ty said.

“He does. One step at a time.”

Gideon mumbled under his breath and walked into the darkness. “I should never have come.”

He walked until he was cloaked in enough darknessthat no one would see the grief on his face. Then he looked up at the stars. They were far away.

The silence broke as someone approached from behind. “You okay?” Nikki said, coming up beside him.

“Why did you tell him that?”

“What?”

“That I was going to save the town.”

“Isn’t that what you said you were here for? That’s what we’re all here to be a part of.”

“What if this is the end? What if this is all God wanted for me? He could be done.”

“I trust you, Gideon. God brought you here for a purpose, and it’s about more than dropping some trees.”

“You sure about that?”

“This is just like before. You’re being fickle.”

“This is different.”

“Why?”

“Ty’s looking to me like I’m the leader of a revolution. I’m a regular guy.”

“A regular guy wouldn’t be out here tonight. No one else has been brave enough to take action.”

“I’m not brave. This isn’t bravery. I’m bumbling around in the dark, trying to be obedient. That’s it. It’s not my idea. It’s not in my strength. I have nothing to offer. You can’t let people think I’m more than I am. You can’t fill them with hope.”

“What’s wrong with hope?”

“What if I let them all down like I’ve let Ty down tonight?”

---