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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Confident (07/05/07)
"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field," Jesus in Matthew 13:44

John, you’ve been so quiet the last few days. What’s wrong? Is it work?

I’m not sure Honey. Maybe it’s work, I don’t know. Perhaps it’s just life. I’m getting old, I guess.

It’s more than that; I haven’t seen you like this before. You used to have so much energy and always doing and going. You’ve had problems at work in the past and it hasn’t bothered you so much. What is it?

There seems to be something missing but I don’t know what it is.

Missing?

Yes, you know, something in my life, our lives.

Oh?!

John sees “the look” from his wife.

No, I don’t mean us. I love you and I know you love me. I...well...I don’t know.

I think I understand how you feel. I’ve felt something missing in our lives too.

John returns “the look”. She notices and laughter erupts. Arms enfold around one another.

What have I been working for all these years? Why we’ve been able to buy just about anything we’ve wanted and the kids are starting well in their lives. The company’s been good to work for....except for that one boss (a slight smile crosses his lips as he remembers a particular incident. Then shakes his head). It’s not work, that’s for sure.

John, let’s pray about it.

Okay, Honey.

This has been something neither have done for a long time. It’s sounded good to them though.

That night John picks up the Bible he laid on the bedside stand, months ago. Randomly opening it reads: What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world yet forfeits his soul? Or what can he give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26

What can he give in exchange for his soul...in exchange for his soul...what can he give? What do I have to give? What...? (Calling out to his wife) Honey, how much did I earn last year?

What do you mean? You filled out the taxes.

Well, did I make enough to buy my soul?

John?

The hole in our lives, could it be spiritual?

John, you may be right. What was it the pastor said last week?

Mmmm...ah...yes, something about earthly things that we’ve acquired will all be left behind when we die. To use them now for the Lord and something about putting treasure up in heaven.

That’s it. And he said we don’t have to be a pastor or preacher to do it. Using what God has given to us, in our jobs, homes, lives, to start acquiring this treasure for when we do to heaven.

Yes, yes...that is it! Taking his wife in his arms and swinging her around. I’ll stay with what I’m doing and commit my work,my life, for the Lord.

Lord, thank you for revealing this treasure to me. I give everything I have to You to use. Guide me in this new field of work for you. What joy you have given to our hearts. Amen.


"...Yet I am not ashamed, because I know Whom I have believed, and am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day." II Timothy 1:12b

"He is no fool who gives up what he can not keep, to gain what he can not lose." Jim Elliott, martyred missionary.

Scripture from NIV
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This article has been read 1166 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Patty Wysong
07/14/07
Good story with a great lesson. Putting the Scripture in italics and the dialog in quotation marks would have helped in the reading of it. The dialog is good and flows well. I'm so glad he realized what his emptiness came from and found the 'cure.'
Beth LaBuff 
07/16/07
Your "the look" lines made me smile. You used some great verses. I've loved this quote ever since first hearing it. "He is no fool who gives up what he can not keep, to gain what he can not lose." Jim Elliott, martyred missionary. You have a good message.
dub W
07/16/07
Italics mean thoughts. Put dialog in normal print.
Janice Cartwright
07/27/07
This conversation sounds so familiar it's uncanny. I love the authentic ring of this I think we've all been in this place at one time or another, but thank goodness for His goodness that brings us to repentance.