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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Hide and Seek (08/07/08)
God said, “One…two…”

New eyes discovered the love of One who would never leave them. The joy was immense. The feeling of inspiration and love in its rawest form filled their hearts. It was elation. It was belief in the Father. It was the discovery of a new journey…a new path that would lead to everlasting happiness.

Skepticism lurked in the shadows. There were some who did not believe. There were some who rejected the knowledge of God and remained on their own paths, confident of their own abilities and control.

God said, “Three…four…”

Jesus. Oh, the delight of acceptance of the Son who had come to wash away all sin. The glorious cross – a sign of torture, yet a sign of freedom from the bondage of this world became the way. Those that believed treasured this symbol of the greatest love, to carry with them always.

Scoffing came from the sidelines. Though a handful of hearts were open to the message, there were those who had become hard, never to believe. The cross was something to laugh at…something to be pushed aside as rubbish.

God said, “Five…six…”

Troubled times came. Faith was tested. Hearts clung desperately to the Father that they had come to love and trust. Surely this testing would not last forever. Surely He would see them through. Darkness overshadowed the land, but the true Believers persevered. For the goal remained in sight, their beacon in the shadows.

Failing faith drove the weak away from the light. It hadn’t been worth it to believe in a God who would allow these things to happen. The suffering was great…the turmoil too much to bear…surely the love they’d put so much trust into wouldn’t have allowed this to happen. The path of the world was easier. And so the numbers of the criticizers grew.

God said, “Seven…eight…”

The world was dark. Christians held firm to their faith, unwavering and undaunted by the perils of the life they had chosen. Persecution ran rampant and underground gatherings of faithful followers was not uncommon. But these trials only proved to make that faith stronger…to bring those hearts closer to the God they had entrusted with their very souls. They sought refuge in their Maker.

Perhaps those walking the world were jealous of the others who had a faith in something bigger than they were. Perhaps they had an envy of those who could trust in a God and find happiness in times like these. But cold hearts are hard to break. Hiding from this God seemed the ultimate goal.

God said, “Nine…ten.”

And the Believers waited. The time would come. It would come soon. Their hope was placed in the only lasting and true foundation that would withstand all the world had in store. Eternity was just around the corner, and the joy that had been discovered that very first day still shone brightly.

Filth and greed had overcome the world completely. Darkened hearts took delight in the immoral and wrongful deeds of the flesh. God? He was but a figment of the imagination created for those who felt too weak to walk on their own. The world was a playground, offered for pleasures.

And God said, “Ready or not, here I come.”
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This article has been read 1617 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Dianne Janak
08/17/08
I loved the way you told the story, counting as in a hide and seek game... it certainly applies.. and the grand finale at ten is worth waiting for.. VERY creative and well done... !
Joanne Sher 
08/17/08
Very clever and intense. I love this take on the topic, and the message presented so profound and beautifully. Wonderful.
Joshua Janoski
08/19/08
This was a very clever way of presenting this week's topic. I loved the countdown to God's return. Very cool!
Gerald Shuler
08/20/08
"Ready or not..." Oh, the power in those words. You did a great job of spotlighting the most important moment that will ever happen.
Helen Dowd
08/20/08
"Filth and greed had overcome the world completely. Darkened hearts took delight in the immoral and wrongful deeds of the flesh. God? He was but a figment of the imagination created for those who felt too weak to walk on their own. The world was a playground, offered for pleasures."...It would appear that THIS is the time slot the world is in right now....And, as you say, it is nigh time that God said, “Ready or not, here I come.”

Very poignant message, and so very well presented...God bless!...Helen
Charla Diehl
08/22/08
I liked the way you presented this story--the countdown--and then the final decree--Ready or not, here I come! Much food for thought here. Congratulations on your placment in the EC top 10 list.
Sharlyn Guthrie
08/22/08
Love your creativity in writing this. Congratulations on your EC!
Chely Roach
08/22/08
Awesome writing here Rachel. Super congratulations to you!
Jason Swiney
08/24/08
Even though the reader may be able to predict that last line, it is still awesome when it is finally delivered. This was very well crafted, had a very important message, and was a joy to read, congratulations on your EC.