Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER (don’t write about the song) (04/30/15)
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TITLE: The One Essential Thing | Previous Challenge Entry
By
05/05/15 -
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I turned away. I could not let slip my disappointment – my anguish – to anyone, especially to Mary. We clasped Lazarus’s hands even tighter and uttered more desperate prayers. With each passing hour, her grew weaker, his life ebbing away in every drop of sweat. Despite trying everything, we were powerless to tame the raging fever that threatened to consume him. Everybody told us he was beyond hope, and all we could do was try to make him as comfortable as we could, and pray for a mercifully swift end.
I refused to accept that Lazarus’s outlook could be so bleak. How could my strong, dependable brother be reduced to this, and in only a matter of days? Surely these so-called physicians were wrong… Mary and I both knew that there was One who could save him… but where was He?
I left Lazarus’s bedside to fetch a pitcher of water. Noticing the way the lamp was flickering and waning, I decided to find some oil to trim the lamp, before evening drew in. I fully expected to be keeping vigil all night. I needed to do something – anything – to distract myself. Perhaps the Master will come in the morning, and all will be well…
“Martha! Martha! Come now! Lazarus is… is…“
Mary’s frantic cries dashed any comfort that brief moment had brought. The pitcher smashed as it hit the floor, along with my hope. The half-darkness couldn’t conceal the terrible scene that greeted me as I burst into the room.
Even if the Master did come in the morning, He would be too late.
Washing Lazarus’s body, trimming his nails and preparing him for burial gave me a practical outlet for my grief. But nothing could distract me from thinking of the Master and wondering why He hadn’t come. I sought refuge by burying myself in work, but all I heard were the Master’s words, “Martha, dear Martha… only one thing is essential…” The one thing I needed was Him, more than ever…
Lost in a haze of exhaustion and shock, I could only stand and watch the burial. I left the mourners to their wailing, escaping to a quiet corner in the house, away from all the commotion. Once I was sure I was alone, I slumped to the floor, clutching both sides of my torn clothing, crying for the two holes that had been ripped in my heart that day. I looked up to the heavens, imploring Adonai, or ‘Abba’, as the Master called him, to hear me. Through my tears, I pleaded, “Oh Holy One, if it is not Your Will that I should understand why, then I beg you, please give me the strength to cope.”
I cannot explain how, but I felt sure that He was listening because I experienced that same peace I felt whenever I was with the Master.
It must have been a good hour before Mary came and sat beside me. Her swollen eyes were red and framed with dark circles. She clasped my hand and said, “The Master will come, Martha.”
“Oh, Mary. I wish I had your serenity and your beautiful faith. I recall when you first met Him and brought Him into our lives. Lazarus and I worried about you so much and the crowds you were getting into. But He transformed you – and me. He saved us, I believe He will save our brother too.”
It was now four days since Lazarus had died. And still, no sign of the Master...
When they sealed the tomb the day before, reality hit; Lazarus truly was dead, his soul departed...
But I refused to believe the Master would abandon us – abandon Lazarus, His friend. And nor could I believe that He would snatch away all our hope. I was so numb that I couldn’t even create – never mind hide behind – my usual façade of being busy.
In the midst of the crowds and all the cacophony, I prayed. I prayed for a miracle, I prayed for peace. Most of all, I prayed for faith.
I knew this precious hour of prayer may not bring back my brother, but it was the one thing I needed, exactly as the Master had said.
A little while later, six wonderful words cut through my crushing sorrow:
“Martha! Mary! The Master is here!”
Author’s notes:
http://www.bible-archaeology.info/tombs.htm
Bible references:
Luke 10:38-44 MSG
John 11:30-45
This story was inspired by the mentioned scriptures, and is fictional.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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Wing His Words