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 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Employment (01/26/12)
“The boss didn't like me,” John said in his defense.

“And what about the one before that?” She asked in frustration.

“I made a simple mistake and they fired me. They didn't give me a chance,” he replied.

“You destroyed a $10,000 machine because you didn't follow their instructions. You thought you knew a better way to handle it. And you say they didn't give you a chance.”

“Yea, well people who experiment and take chances eventually end up being the CEO's and millionaire's.”

“You can't even keep a job and you're talking about being a millionaire. You're always making excuses for yourself. I'm tired of being the bread winner in this house. When are you going to grow up and be a real man!”

“Maybe if I had a wife that would support me instead of tearing me down with her words, maybe that might help.

“What am I suppose to do John. I work, I clean, I take care of the kids. We got bills to pay, the baby needs her formula, Jake and Sara need new shoes, Tammy needs clothes. I'm tired. I need help and you can't seem to do anything but get fired.”

With that Marlo picked up her crying baby and went to the bedroom, slamming the door behind her. As she sat on the bed rocking the baby, fresh tears streamed down her cheeks. She'd heard enough.

John stood there not really knowing what to say or do. Then Tammy, his 3 year old daughter bounced into the kitchen and threw her arms around his leg.

“Don't worry Daddy, I still love you,” she said smiling up at him.

“Me too.” said Jake, his five year old son, running in behind her.

John looked over at Sara, his eight year old daughter, who was sitting at the kitchen table doing her homework. She looked up at him.

“I love you too... but, Mom does need help Dad.”

“I know, I'm trying,” he said holding back tears. “Tell your mother I'm gong to the library to fill out some online applications.”

“Can I go too?” asked Tammy.

“Me too?” Asked Jake.

“Not this time,” he said giving them a hug as he walked out the door.



Marlo's eyes settled on her Bible which rested on her night table. Every morning she read it faithfully but how often she fell short of what it said.

She hung her head low.

“God, I did it again, but I'm so tired of him being a baby. I carry the whole weight of this family on my shoulders.”

“Why?” she heard His still quiet voice ask.

“Because if I don't, who will,” she replied realizing the answer as the words slipped out.

“Me.”

“Lord, teach me how to trust you.”

“That's what I'm doing?”

“Lord, forgive me for not respecting my husband and teach me how to honor him despite his failures.”

“Your forgiven. Don't focus on his failures, they're covered by the blood. See his good. He's a good father who loves his wife and kids. He loves me and is learning to serve me. He's not abusive in any way. Speak the Word of God over him. Encourage Him and you'll see a change.”

“Okay Lord, but I really need your help.”

“That's what I'm here for.”


As John walked in that night, the kids were all asleep. Marlo was dressed in her nicest evening wear. A candle was lit on the table and his favorite dinner was prepared. She smiled at him.

“What happened?” he asked looking at his wife startled. “Did I get a job interview or something?”

“No love, I just want you to know I still love you. I know you'll find another job soon. Until then, we'll just trust God and know He'll provide all our needs.”

“I wish I were a better provider.”

“You'll be a busy CEO soon, so I better enjoy you while I can. You're a wonderful father, husband and friend.”

John hugged his wife with tears in his eyes. He thought she'd never know how much her love and encouragement meant to him. Years later someone asked him the secret of his success as the CEO of a small company producing dollar toys for kids.

He replied, “I owe it all to God for giving me such a great wife.”
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 809 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
02/02/12
Awww. Sweet story. Thank you for this...God bless~
Hiram Claudio
02/02/12
Wonderful ... absolutely wonderful! This felt so real. You could feel the struggle between the husband and wife, the tenderness as the children tried to make it 'all better,' and the time alone with God the wife found. Such powerful images in a very real and everyday situation.

And the message ... to trust and lean in Him. This was splendid. Thank you SO much!
Leola Ogle
02/03/12
We all need to be reminded to trust in God and let Him be our source! Thanks for sharing. God bless!
Terry Lee
02/07/12
Oh my goodness, this piece dragged me though a series of emotions (forgive me Marlo, for being so angry with you at the beginning), and then through a fantastic depiction of this crazy roller coaster we call life.

Loved the ending!