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: Enter (02/27/06)
The minute I stepped on the battlefield I could hear the demons screaming. I was more than ready to enter the fray, kick some devil booty, and get my crown. My sword of the spirit was as sharp as anybody’s. My shield of faith was impenetrable. Come on, spiritual weanies, just try and get under my breastplate of righteousness!

Ha! And Charge!

Well, that’s the way I would have liked it to begin. Actually, I entered the fray kind of hesitantly, actually fearing the big things God might bring my way. My first move did not look like the charge of Holy Light Brigade. It was a small prayer mumbled while my face was buried in my prayer closet carpet.

“Um. Use me today, Lord. I surrender, as much as I can. Amen.”

My first battle was with the prayer closet door latch. With only 5 minutes to eat breakfast and grab my battle gear for the day, I was stuck behind a stubborn folding door. I pulled, I yanked, I pushed, and I rebuked it as hard as I could without abusing the Lord’s name, and it opened. Whew!

My next battle was in traffic. It was a rainy morning with cars sliding this way and that, and at least one jerk skiding into my lane to take the tiny space between me and the car in front of me. I whipped out my sword and swung it at him as hard as I could.

"Lord, bless that driver with a flat tire or something, so he can sit on the side of the road and repent from his evil driving.”

I felt good about that one.

Then, walking into work I noticed a stain on my tie. A suddenly visible coffee spill from my battle to get out of the house would now be visible to every client I would see today. Good thing I had an clean tie left over from yesterday’s battle in my top desk drawer. Did I really bring two ties to work yesterday? I don‘t know, but I did a little rejoicing jig around my desk anyway as I slipped on the tie.

And believe it or not, blessing was mine the rest of the day. I sold 5 out of 7 clients I schmoozed, and signed 4 contracts. Yes! The warrior was knockin’ ‘em out today! Praise God! When my boss called me I wondered how much better it could get, except that he rebuked me for giving some wrong information to one of my clients. I had to humble myself and make a depressing phone call. Adjust my sales to 4 out of 7. Eww, Devil got me there.

The day was almost over and I was feeling pretty good when I noticed Alicia, the bosses secretary, rubbing her forehead. Ah ha! I was good a praying for headaches.

“Wanna a little prayer for that headache,” I asked her a little to boldly.

She gave me a strange look and spoke a flat “No.”

Well, I prayed for her anyway, back in my cubicle. Take that you denying demon of timidity! She’ll thank me in the morning. Can’t wait!

I felt so good about the battle that I drove a little slower, and prayed for each car that whizzed past me, and every pedestrian that crossed in front of my car.

“Save that one, Lord! Bless that woman over there! Oh, find that beggar a home and a job.” I backed the last prayer up with all the change I had left in my ash tray, about 84 cents. Take that spirit of poverty!

Crawling in to bed my last thought was a thank you to the Lord for using me. The battlefield wasn’t such a scary place, today anyway. Tomorrow might be another story so I reset my alarm clock so I could get an extra 15 minutes of prayer in the morning.

Look out Kingdom of Darkness. You’ll be seeing much more of me tomorrow!
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 1351 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Jan Ackerson
03/10/06
I loved, loved, loved this. Such a witty voice, and he actually believes every word he says. Lots of subtle lessons here, for people who are willing to recognize themselves. Plus, this is just downright good writing.
terri tiffany
03/10/06
I read this the other day and thought wow...I see myself here so often...but then I didn't comment cause I wasn't sure of the ending...it seems like I wanted it to end where he got it that he wasn't quite on the right track...but as I think about it...this way is probably better! Good writing:)
Linda Watson Owen
03/10/06
Oh, you sure know how to hold up a mirror to all of us self assured Christians! This is a gem! Love the humor and the author's rye 'behind the scenes' wink throughout. Great job!! Loved it!!!
Andre Kingston
03/10/06
I too smiled and laughed all the way through this one. I saw myself in it too many times. What one really realizes is that over time each of those "he got that wrong" bits will be confronted when he is ready for them. For now, at least he is in the fight and giving it the best shot he can - God. I also loved how he set his alarm for more prayer time the next morning. The 'hero' might not have gotten it all correct, but at least he goes to the right source!

Thank you.
janet rubin
03/10/06
This is by far, my favorite I've read this week! We are so silly, aren't we? God must really get a kick out of our antics. Thank you for writing fellow soldier. Keep up the fight!
Caitlynn Lowe
03/10/06
I loved this story! It was light and enjoyable but still very well written. And I suppose I can kinda relate to the protagonist, as well...heh.
Lynda Lee Schab 
03/10/06
Ha! Too funny. Oh wait...not so funny when I see myself in there! Yikes! Got up close and personal with the mirror while I was reading. But that's ok - conviction is good! Funny, clever writing. A couple typos but who cares? Very well done!
Beth Muehlhausen
03/10/06
Yup, you hit all us nails right smack dab on their heads!!! Well done - light and enjoyable as well as convicting.

More! More!
Val Clark
03/11/06
Nup, it can't be applied to me! I don't wear a tie. LOL
Chuckled all the way through this. Loved the beginning. How different out hopes and perceptions are from the reality of our experience. Loved the character - such an annoying self absorbed optimist! Connecting with no one for the whole day but on a battle high at the end of it! :-) really should be a :-( Talented, creative writing. Yeggy
Suzanne R
03/11/06
Fun! And I love the title too!
Marilyn Schnepp 
03/12/06
From the Title all the way through to the very end...A DELIGHTFUL read! If only I could be such a Warrior and Optimist. Great Job and very well written! Kudos my fellow wordsmith, KUDOS!
Tiffanie Chezum
03/12/06
Very good, funny story.
Carla Feagans
03/13/06
I really enjoyed this, this is one I'd want to pass on to my friends.

Great job writing it and great lessons. I like the way he progresses from timid to "mighty" warrior as the day progresses. :)