Behind the Story: The Scriptural Theme of Defectors

The Hidden Scriptures of The Kaiyo Stories

"I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

John 16:33 (NABRE)

While writing Defectors, I wanted to dig into this piece of scripture to build the story around. This theme is prevalent throughout the entire series, but most specifically in Defectors. From the story's onset until the end, Kaiyo, the McLeods, and their human and animal allies, face tremendous trouble precisely because of their love for each other and their love for Christ. But no one should be surprised. Trouble in this world is not predicted; it is promised.

We believers may not know exactly what it is, but we sense it. The world is quickly changing. The tares are soon going to be divided from the wheat but before that happens, great trouble will visit the planet. Christ said it while the most trouble the world has ever seen. And the believers will be among the first to understand. Persecution, like trouble, is promised. It is a fool's errand to believe that peace is around the corner. It has never been. And until that day when Christ declares it to be so, it will never be. For us, we trust in God and be willing to lay our life down for He who did the same for us.