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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Great Expectations (not about the book) (08/25/11)
A strong wind blew as Justin walked into the church. He entered the sanctuary and sat in the last pew. It was quiet because it was an hour before the service started. The only noise you could hear was the wind blowing on the wooden roof.

He sat silently for a few minutes then opened his Bible to book and verse and mumbled. "He will never leave me or forsake me." Justin bowed his head, put it on his hands, and started to cry. "Lord, you said in the book of Hebrews, that you would never leave me. Why...are you leaving me? Why, Lord, why?"

Then he felt a warm hand on his shoulder. "Justin, what's wrong?"

"Pastor Rod, I lost my job six months ago; I can't find work. I have been behind in my property taxes. The city has taken over my property and is going to sell my house. Not only, have I lost my house, but this is the house I grew up in. My parents gave it to me. It's been in my family for four generations. I was expected to pass this house on to my children and my grandchildren; now that will never happen."

Justin’s face turned red, he lowered his eyebrows, "I feel like the Lord has left me. I obviously have sinned and not met his expectations."

Just then the organist began to practice. "Justin, it's not about meeting the Lord's expectations. We've all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We will never meet his expectation, that is why he died for our sins. Do you know the words of the hymn the organ is playing?"

"My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness."

"It's saying that your hope is built on Jesus. You need to trust him. He didn't leave you because of your sin. He doesn’t have great expectations of you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. The good and bad in our life is not based on our sin. We live in a fallen world; bad things happen to the just and the unjust."

"I don't know what to do Pastor Rod."

"This is a big church. We have funds set aside to help people in an emergency. If not, maybe there is someone in the congregation who can help you with a temporary place to live. Let‘s get together next week and talk. Okay?"

"Okay, Pastor, thank you."
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This article has been read 936 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/01/11
This is a great story about faith and how God helps us through tough times.

When the MC turns to the Bible actually give the name of the book, chapter and verse that he is turning to. This will be a good way to show reference. Also when you quote a song make sure you have a footnote with the name and author.

I really liked your Characters; they felt so real. This is a message that so many people can relate to today. Nicely done.
Sarah Heywood
09/02/11
Nice story - I really like the infusion of hope that you wove throughout it. I also loved the reference to one of my favorite hymns, "The Solid Rock."

Nicely done!
C D Swanson 
09/03/11
Right on target with todays climate, and with this weeks topic. I really enjoyed it. God Bless~