The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Beach (07/04/05)
Anger infused his heart, the request too great to even respond. The ship pulled into the docks as he shook the dust from his shoes.
“That’s what I think about your idea.”
His running left him exhausted and he searched for a quiet place to sleep.
The lulling of the ship silenced his mind as they pulled farther away from Nineveh.

“How can you sleep? Get up and pray to your God so we will not die!”
Jonah opened his eyes to the captain standing over him. The tossing of the ship mimicked the tossing in his soul. He knew why the ocean’s fury came upon them. Even the lots cast told what his heart realized.
“I worship the Lord, the God of heaven who made land and sea. Throw me into the sea and it will calm down.” *
“Are you crazy? If we throw you into the water you will die. Men, continue rowing.”
The waves grew stronger, the winds harder, a new decision made.
“O Lord, we pray, don’t punish us with death for taking this man’s life! You, O Lord, are responsible for all this; it is your doing.” *

Jonah entered the waters below and the ocean grew calm. If only the fight in his heart would be still like the sea. Weeds wrapped his head. He sank to the root of the mountains. Ready for death as water encompassed him, God sent a Savior.

“When I felt my life slipping away, then O Lord, I prayed to you, and in your holy Temple you heard me. Those who worship worthless idols have abandoned their loyalty to you. But I will sing praises to you; I will offer you a sacrifice and do what I have promised. Salvation comes from the Lord!” *

Back on the beach, sand in his shoes, God’s word in his heart, Jonah headed toward Nineveh.


*Scripture taken from the Good News Bible, Today’s English Version. Nelson Publishers © 1976.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 1464 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Deborah Bauers
07/12/05
I think its time for you to move up a level. I'd like to see something really creative-something that challenges your imagination. Go for it!
Nina Phillips
07/12/05
I liked the way that you made your presentation very clear. It's not often that we would see that someone would take responsibility and chastisement of God upon themselves for being disobedient to the will of the Lord. And the outcome of the repentent soul (minister). God bless ya,
littlelight
Shari Armstrong 
07/12/05
I enjoyed reading this. Nice use of scripture.
Amy Michelle Wiley 
07/13/05
Creative take on the beach topic. Putting an extra space between each paragraph would help divide thoughts. Good job!
Suzanne R
07/14/05
I love the contrast between shaking the dust off his shoes in the beginning in anger, and shaking the sand out of his shoes in obedience at the end. Well done!
Phyllis Inniss 
07/14/05
A very interesting use of scripture for the topic. Your entry was well presented. Thanks for sharing.
dub W
07/14/05
A very good tight article, thanks for sharing.
LINDA GERMAIN 
07/15/05
Very well done. Nice writing. (seems higher level than beginners though :0) Go for it!
Eva Dawson
07/15/05
Good job. I enjoyed the spin on the beach. I too believe that you could move up a level. Enjoyed your article.
Beth Muehlhausen
07/16/05
Anger to obedience - thought-provoking and compelling.
Donnie Vaughan
07/16/05
i am new to this but i enjoyed , second chance very much.