Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Discern (08/12/10)
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TITLE: A Dream, A Devotion, and A Day | Previous Challenge Entry
By Randy Chambers
08/16/10 -
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The creature seemed to resemble a frog but was not really a frog. It was an intelligent creature, and though it did not speak; somehow it communicated to me as though through its countenance. The creature was the bearer of a box which resembled a wooden footlocker. The gang wanted the box, and the creature feared they would get it. The town’s people knew that if the gang got the box, all hope would be lost; and yet, they did not want to get involved.
I determined to help the creature keep the box from the gang. The creature was the keeper of the box, but had no power to keep it from the gang. I tried to rally the town’s people to come together in the defense of the box; but, to no avail. In fact, the town’s people were upset with me as they thought my actions would only make matters worse. Due to their worries, I took the creature with the box to a small shack at the edge of town. This distanced us from the town’s people, but made the creature feel uneasy.
With the creature and his box secure within the shack, I returned to appeal to the town’s people once more. I explained to them how I had taken the creature with the box to the edge of town, and I sought to recruit the help of anyone who understood the importance that the box must not fall into the hands of the gang. Not one person offered to help. Instead, they said it was a battle I could not win, and asked me how I thought I could possibly fight this gang. With confidence, I replied simply: “God is my Rock, and my Fortress; in Him I trust.”
The dream ended there, and I awoke. Shortly thereafter, I opened my morning devotional and read this: “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2). Needless to say, this made me stop and reflect a bit. I asked God what it might mean. I did not discern an answer at that moment, so I asked Him to keep these words in my mind and teach me throughout the day. I’m still not completely sure what to make of it; but, I’m sure God will do with it what He wants.
That same day, my wife and I had a lot of work to do on our house. As we were working, my back sharply went out. I knew, however, that we had to do the work, so I determined to keep working. Somewhere in that moment, I felt as though God told me that even when we are suffering, the work must get done. My thoughts immediately shifted from my back, to the spiritual truths of that statement. In that moment I recited, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, my deliverer.” It seemed that a great deal of the pain left immediately. Though pain was still present, it was not debilitating. I was stiff, sore, and careful not to bend incorrectly; but, I was able to press on in the work that needed done.
I’m still contemplating the dream, the devotional, and that day. Who knows what it all means? God does work in mysterious ways, and we should always be ready to listen for His voice and be looking for the movement of His hand. It could be that the meaning of the dream, the devotion, and the day will be revealed over time. It could be that the simple lesson learned that day is all to glean from the events. Regardless, we remain God’s students, and we remain teachable when we remain at the Master’s feet; listening for anything He might say; and, paying attention to any means He might use to say it.
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