Chapter 1
Samuel’s Sting
Three-month-old Samuel peddled his tiny feet and hands as Bill struggled to secure the diaper. Bill chattered to the baby, leaning down until the baby focused on his face, looking as if he completely understood Bill’s words. Bill selected a sleeper with frogs sprinkled across the fabric with froggy feet and a pull-over diaper shirt with newborn-sized trains. As he dressed the baby, he noticed something different at the back of his neck. Bill Talked to Samuel while knowing what he saw was the mark of Trainer. He remembered the mark from the description of what his looked like. This one was different. He saw the scorpion embedded on top of the old mark that was described to him.
He stopped dressing Samuel as tears pooled in his eyes. “Guys, you’ve got to see this! We’re not done fighting yet!”
Fred asked with a questioning voice, “What’s up, Bill?”
The prayer squad moved toward Bill and Samuel. Fred noticed the mark on the boy’s shoulder first. Once the others noticed it they just stared.
Bill looked up the group, “Now what?”
“Now, we pray,” Fred replied. “Harry, John, could you two join me in the middle with Bill and Samuel. I would like the rest of you to form a circle around us.”
Once everyone was in place, Fred started praying, “Lord, we thank you for Bill and all he brings to the prayer squad. We praise You for the blessings young Samuel brings to us, as well. We come together agreeing on behalf of young Samuel that You would remove the beast from within him. Your authority is established by the power of Your name and the blood You shed on the cross. We call the authority You have to influence the life of Samuel in a way that You and only You can receive the glory.
“Show Bill how to teach and train Samuel in Your ways. Give him understanding in Your way. Guide and direct his paths. Lord, hold him and his son in Your hands. Place Your mighty hedge of protection around them.”
Harry continued, “You are the King of all kings and no power above or below the Earth or in the Heavens can stand against You. May Your will reign supreme in Bill and Samuel’s lives. Give Bill the peace to know that You are directing his and his son’s paths. In Your Holy name, amen.”
“Bill, you had to choose to follow Christ. God is showing me that Samuel will have the same choice to make. You are still his father and can influence his decision but you have to allow him to make it on his own.”
Fred and Harry rested their hands on his shoulder as the other prayer squad members prayed.
***
Adley and Aaron rested beside Samuel, watching and waiting. They saw the concern on Bill’s face and hoped for the prayers to come up. Soon after the thought, prayers began to come then stopped cold. With only a short delay the group gathered around them and began to pray.
Aaron could see Trainer fidgeting inside looking and trying to sort what was happening. Adley was already preparing the defense to keep Trainer from harming Samuel. Aaron knew that God’s work would go on in this child’s life and the prayers going up would keep them strong.
