The Sunset of Hope | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Sunset of Hope | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mia DeBruyne
06/09/09
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Sarah sat upon the ocean sand, staring out into nothingness. The wind swept across her tear stained face, there was nothing left. It was hard to believe that just one short year ago she had thought her childhood fantasy was about to come true, but reality had brought her most dreaded adult nightmare instead.

One year ago, Sarah and her husband were just moving into their long awaited dream home. It was their tenth anniversary and they had been designing this home in their minds for years. Now, their dream was being fulfilled. But their greatest wish had already come true just six short months ago. They had tried for years to have a baby. After many doctor visits, and infertility challenges, a baby boy was born. He made them a happy threesome, or so Sarah thought.

That dreaded day, Sarah will never forget. Together, they were doing yard work, laughing, and having fun when he became serious, in a strange sort of way. She had only asked in a jest “So is there someone else?” But his reply was no joke, he told her, “Yes.”

One loss after another emptied Sarah’s aching heart. First, he moved out, the marriage was over. Next, her sweet, little baby boy was taken from her arms every other Thursday night and would return on Monday evening.

When the baby was born, Sarah’s full time job had offered her a chance to stay current in her field. She was given a part time job, one day a week without benefits. After the divorce was final, Sarah had returned to work, but today, as she sat upon the shore, that too was gone. Let go from her job, there she wept. Her baby and her ex-husband were off to Disneyland for the weekend with another woman. Sarah was left to decide if she would need to sell the dream house that had become the stage for all her nightmares.

Sarah called out to God as she sat upon that lonesome shore. She knew her Lord well, although all others had abandoned her, she knew He was always faithful and true. She prayed “Oh Lord, I will rest in this emptiness, for I know it is here where You are the closest to me. I will allow You to empty me of all my self-made plans and to fill me with Your love.”

Then came the Lord’s response to her, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)

Sarah prayed, “Have mercy on me dear Lord, and give me the grace to follow Your will then I will give You thanks and praise.” Sarah looked up, and the nothingness had turned into a brilliant sunset. Beautiful colors swept across the sky as God’s gift of hope filled Sarah’s empty heart.

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