Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: A MIGHTY FORTRESS (don't write about the song) (04/23/15)
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TITLE: Not Made of Brick or Stone | Previous Challenge Entry
By Julie Blackman
04/30/15 -
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Grandpa John was doing it again—staring at that picture hanging on the wall of his home office. This was not the first time his granddaughter, Abby, had observed him completely focused on this painting. It wasn’t spectacular by any means, so why was he so fascinated by it? As usual, he had a peaceful smile on his face. He sat back in his chair and crossed his hands on his lap. She began to ponder, I don’t get it. Every time papa looks at this painting, he starts to smile. Abby wasn’t going to let another weekend go by without knowing why. She knocked on the opened door and entered the room.
“Hi papa!”
“Hi Abby Bear, how are you today?” He asked and outstretched his arms.
“Good.” She loved it when he called her Abby Bear and ran towards him to give him a hug. “Can I ask you question? I know you told me about that picture of a fortress, but why does it make you smile?”
“Now that’s a great question. Come sit with me and I’ll explain” he whispered.
This sounded like it was going to be good. A secret maybe? She thought.
“Abby Bear, remember when I described how much protection these buildings provided which helped to keep enemies out--.“
“Yes, I remember, but papa why would that make you smile—every time?” she giggled.
“Whenever I look at this picture, I’m reminded of how our Heavenly Father watches over us 24 hours a day, seven days a week. He keeps us safe from dangers we can see and also those we can’t. It’s just natural for me to smile because I know He’s watching over me,” he replied.
Abby watched as her grandfather’s face cracked another big smile. It was all becoming clear to her. This painting symbolized God for him. Her mother also looked happy whenever she talked about God to her.
“Think back to last year when we had that bad storm. Grandma and I were so glad when the front yard tree missed the house when it fell.”
Abby gasped. “Oh yes, that was scary, but we were safe inside the house.”
“That’s right, we were. Well, that’s how I feel about God. It doesn’t matter what’s going on around us, He’ll be our protective shield and fortress, no matter what. I’m 79 years old and I’ve seen a lot over the years, some good times others bad. But through it all, God has been there every step of the way. You can count on Him and trust Him.”
“I think I get it now. I’ve been alive for seven years, and I’ve seen things too. It’s like when mom prays for me before I leave for school each day. She asks God to cover me under His…divine protection. Yes, that’s how she says it, divine protection. I feel like I have an invisible shield around me all day. He’s my fortress too papa.”
“You’ve got it!” Grandpa John laughed.
END
Closing Thoughts
The protection that we have is not made of brick or stone. It comprises of God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. There is no match for the Trinity—our mighty fortress. When the storms of life emerge, we too can say like the Psalmist David, that the “…Lord is our rock, fortress, and deliverer…” (Psalm 18:2 NKJV). Cherish your relationship with God. There’s nothing too hard for Him. Just trust Him!
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