The Longing: What the Ogier Teach Us About Faith
The Longing: What the Ogier Teach Us About Faith" explores the striking parallel between the Ogier of The Wheel of Time and the spiritual journey of a believer. Just as the Ogier suffer the Longing when they stray from their sanctuary, believers risk spiritual decline when they distance themselves from God. This reflection delves into the dangers of drifting away, the pull of worldly distractions, and the relentless love of God that calls us back.
Emmanuel Sani (Prince Leunado)
5/9/20252 min read
I was watching The Wheel of Time when something about the Ogier caught my attention. These towering, wise beings live in peaceful sanctuaries called steddings, places that shield them from the chaos of the outside world. But if an Ogier stays away from the stedding for too long, they experience the Longing, a slow, painful deterioration that can eventually lead to their death.
As I thought about this, I realized how closely it mirrors the life of a believer. Just as the Ogier need their stedding to thrive, I need to remain close to my source, God. Whenever I drift away from prayer, scripture, or communion with Him, I begin to feel spiritually weak, disconnected, and lost. The further I wander, the harder it becomes to find my way back.
Yet, just as an Ogier can find healing by returning to the stedding, I know that I can always return to God's presence. His grace is abundant. No matter how far I have strayed, He welcomes me back with open arms, ready to restore me.
But as I reflected further, I realized that the Longing isn't just about distance, it’s about identity. The Ogier are beings of peace, wisdom, and balance, and their stedding is what keeps them whole. Without it, they slowly lose themselves. In the same way, when I stray from God, I don’t just weaken, I forget who I am.
The danger is real. The longer I stay away, the harder it becomes to return. The world offers distractions, things that seem fulfilling but leave me empty. Like an Ogier who pushes through the Longing until it’s too late, I risk becoming so entangled in the ways of the world that returning to God feels impossible.
But here’s the truth, it’s never too late. God doesn’t just wait for my return, He actively calls me back. His love isn’t passive, it’s pursuing, relentless, and healing. No matter how distant I’ve been, His grace is enough to restore me completely.
This realization deepened my faith. Staying close to God isn’t just about following rules or maintaining a routine, it’s about survival. It’s about remembering who I am in Him and never allowing the Longing to take hold. Because without Him, I don’t just weaken, I fade away.
And that is something I cannot afford to let happen.
