Grace in the Midst of Chaos | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Grace in the Midst of Chaos | Previous Challenge Entry
By Eva Piscitell
08/23/07
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Grandfather, how long do you think it will be before they reach their goal? His grandfather followed his gaze. A week ago, he would have shaded his eyes against the setting sun, but yesterday the structure had reached a height that now cast a long shadow over the city. The sun was blotted from his view.

I can't say.

But grandfather, I overheard them yesterday and they were boasting that they are going straight up to heaven where God dwells. And the way they were talking, I don't think God would like what they are saying.

Grandson, I agree with you. They have become prideful and boastful and won't listen to any reason or advice. They don't seem to understand that God will not be mocked and He humbles the proud. But I think, grandson, they have come to the point where they no longer see their pride or arrogance. Yet, the Lord sees all.

Will He punish them, grandfather, for what they are doing?

Child, you remember how my father walked with God for many years and their wonderful relationship? He found favor in God's eyes. You are very much like him. We know that God is righteous, and I believe He will only do what is just, however He chooses to do it. He is all-powerful, but He always acts in love. God loves us like a father, and sometimes a Father must discipline those He loves.

He looked thoughtfully at his grandson and what he saw made him proud. He was growing up in the grace and admonition of the Lord. He trusted God and was obedient even when the other boys were off getting themselves into trouble. He sighed as he looked at the workers, some of them no older than the boy. He turned to him. You're a good boy. God is very pleased with you, I know.

I hope so. I try to be obedient, just like you taught me. I want to always walk with God just like great-grandfather.

Suddenly, there arose a thunderous commotion. The boy instinctively ran to the old man's side and he clutched him protectively. They turned to see the huge structure come tumbling down before their eyes. Smoke arose and they could hear people running, screaming and yelling. But, what was it that they were saying? He could not understand a word of it.

What is happening? He tried to reason in his mind, but no answer came. As the smoke cleared, he recognized the faces of men he knew, but when they tried to speak to him, their words were meaningless to him. They tried to gesture to him for understanding, but there was none. He had to get the boy back to their tent.

Running back home, they were met by more people. It seemed like everyone in the city was running back and forth, eyes glazed with confusion by what had happened and no way to communicate. But his head began to clear and develop a plan. It was the Lord. He has done this in His anger over their pride and insolence. We must move away from here to a better place.

They arrived home and to the old man's relief, his family understood him. Get ready, he told them. We are leaving first thing in the morning.

As they led their animals out of the city carrying all of their possessions, he saw that many others had made the same decision. Perhaps the fear of God had come upon them after all. Some like him had gathered their possessions, while others had simply fled in terror, not even stopping to gather their possessions, scattering as soon as the tower came down. When he tried to talk to others, they simply shook their heads and shrugged their shoulders in bewilderment.

The boy took his grandfather's hand as they left the city. Grandfather, do you know where we are going?

No, he answered, but God does. I am certain of it. Will you pray for us?

Oh yes, the boy answered. "Lord, direct our steps as we see those around us being scattered here and there, and so confused. Bless our journey. And may we find favor in your sight. Amen."

He looked down at the boy. That was a good prayer, Noah. God was surely listening and shall be gracious to us. Come, it is time to go.

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