Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Surprised (09/06/07)
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TITLE: The Hilarity of Jesus | Previous Challenge Entry
By Darlene Casino
09/12/07 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
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 the other night nurse. “I’m going to take a break in the back room.”
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 endless 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 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 about 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; 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 open, the woman perceived a radiant, smiling Jesus. He stood aside so she could gaze into a room with wonderful light. She could only worship Him.
Even the next day, she could still picture the ‘Shepherd of Hind’s Feet’ smiling as the door opened. But there was also an awareness of movement as He actually through 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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The word "Bible" should always be capitalized. Other than that minor nitpick, this piece was wonderful.