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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Astonishment (02/02/12)
“You spoke to me and I listened to every word.
I belong to you, Lord God Almighty and so
your words filled my heart with joy and happiness.”
Jeremiah 15:16 Good News Bible

“Everything’s done,” she said, more to herself than to the other night nurse. “I’m going to take a break in the backroom.”

She was recovering from an upper respiratory infection, and the effects of seasonal depression. For days the woman had done little more than sleep and watch television. The good, healthy activities were not being done, nor the mundane chores. She felt like a sluggard.

Like an old cow chewing her cud of negativity, she had spent hours watching the boob tube or videos. Or she would engage herself in introspection. Her heart was empty but desiring to be made full. Her days were unproductive and vegetative, yet she wanted to be fruitful. But the truth was she was feeling a bit sorry for herself.

Just yesterday, she was convicted while reading her Bible and she repented. He washed her clean and gave her a thirst to spend more time in the Word.

“Then you will know the truth and the truth will make you free.” John 8:32
“If the son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

Her devotions today had ministered to her soul, and set the tone for what would happen that night while at work. Her new goal was to experience for herself that freedom and release her Jesus had purchased for her.

It was no wonder that by that night, the nurse was free of all the turmoil of the last weeks. Even her attitude at work had improved. Once in the back room, she opened her Bible and began to work on a new Bible study on freedom. She was hungry for the Word.

Initially, the case was made regarding ways we give up our freedom: through insisting on being in control; by demanding our own happiness, or by building walls to protect ourselves. These behaviors eventually become heavy burdens we were never meant to carry. The author went on to say: “Freedom means free to serve another because we are not cluttered by negative emotions; weighed down by needless burdens; nor able to achieve our sanctification and fruit production. That is the work of the Holy Spirit.”

As a fresh awareness of her freedom in Christ filled her mind, her heart was filled to overflowing with His love. Enlightened to the truth of His Word, her spirit was led to praise her God…her Jesus…her Lord.

Something so wonderful, so precious, so holy, so lovely was happening in that back room, in that workplace. She was surprised as a heavenly perception flooded her spirit.

Feeling like the “door of her understanding’ had been unlocked and flung wide open, the woman perceived a radiant, laughing Jesus standing aside so she could see into a wonderful light. She could only worship Him…

Even the next day, she could still see the ‘Shepherd of Hind’s Feet’ smiling as the door opened. But there was also an awareness of movement as He actually threw back His head, and with joyous laughter, watched her reaction to His revelation of Himself.

Experiencing God’s Presence and love is always awe-inspiring and evokes worship. I learned that night that He alone chooses the place, time and way to show Himself. Even in the most unlikely places, all He seems to require is a clean, receptive heart in need of Him.
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This article has been read 913 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Mildred Sheldon
02/10/12
I loved the title and the story. It touched my heart and made me smile. To visualize Jesus's smiling face and to hear his heart felt laughter within my heart gave me joy. Thank you for sharing and God bless.
C D Swanson 
02/11/12
This was a lovely story - I enjoyed it so much. Nice image of Christ laughing. Wonderful job. God Bless~
Cynthia Carter
02/12/12
How true!
Martha Black
02/12/12
I have a daughter, also a nurse, that is often like this nurse. When depressed, she digs a hole, gets in it and pulls the hole in behind her. So sad! Such a waste of time. I pray she will discover what this nurse has discovered.
Good job!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/12/12
This is an interesting story. I enjoyed the image of Jesus laughing joyously.

Try working on doing more showing than telling. For example this sentence tells the reader: She was recovering from an upper respiratory infection, and the effects of seasonal depression.

Instead try painting a picture for the reader with something like this.

She wiped her stuffy nose and rubbed her burning eyes. Sighing she looked out the window. The dark, dreary day weighed her heart down as unbidden tears welled in her eyes.

I wrote it quickly so it's not the best example but it gives the reader a mental picture.

I really enjoyed the message behind this story. It is so easy to get caught up in the trivialities of the day that we forget to feast on His word.
Karlene Jacobsen 
02/14/12
Such a tender story. I really enjoyed it. One little thing: you shifted POV in the last paragraph. I'm not sure if it was intentional, but I think it would end stronger if you stayed with one POV. Just my opinion, though. Great writing.
Tracy Nunes 
02/15/12
This one was written from a heart of worship. It shines through from beginning to end. Good job!