Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: I SURRENDER ALL (to God) (don’t write about the song) (05/07/15)
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TITLE: Gordon's Dilemma | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gerard Depuit
05/12/15 -
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Sharing his concerns with his wife Sylvia had been helpful as usual but he had gone to bed with a troubled spirit.
Getting out of bed he stoked the wood heater and picked up his bible which was still open at 1Thessalonians 5:23. “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [K.J.V.]
The study group had emphasised we are a 3 part being and that as born again believers we have a renewed spirit, a soul and a physical body. Furthermore, 2 Corinthians 5:17 states that after being born again we become a new creation. Clearly, it is not our body that changes; neither does the soul, which as a person’s mental and emotional part becomes completely new. In fact this new creation can’t be outwardly observed at all because the transformation takes place within our spirit, where we can’t feel a thing. It is therefore our spirit that becomes a completely new work of God and our body and soul are being influenced by that born again spirit.
The conclusion must be that our spirit has become as pure, as righteous and as holy as it will ever be in eternity, it contains no sin, no inadequacy, no fear, no depression and no discouragement. There is nothing negative in our spirit, our born again spirit is identical to Jesus as 1John4:17 states….. “because as he is, so are we in this world.”
Gordon’s prayer was, “how can I apply this in my daily life."
He finally returned to bed and eventually fell asleep.
The following morning Sylvia being aware of Gordon’s dilemma suggested a trip to the highlands to one of their favourite escapes to the village of Waddamana, which in the Aboriginal language is translated as “noisy water” this being the start of the Hydro Electric scheme in Tasmania and which had a historical museum related to that development.
A drive through spectacular winding mountain roads surrounded by dark rain forest ravines lifted both Sylvia and Gordon’s spirits as they marvelled at God’s awesome creation. It was obvious that these natural attributes were ideal for hydro power production.
Before descending into the Waddamana valley they stopped at the lookout where a clear view of natural beauty and engineering complemented each other. The huge metal pipeline that transported the water to the power station turbines was like an endless silver caterpillar as it snaked its way down the mountain side. Creative engineering and a respect for the natural environment had combined to create an awesome sight.
A short drive took them to the museum and information centre where they enjoyed the self-guided tour and hot drinks in front of a blazing log fire.
Sylvia was surprised as she watched Gordon’s face transform into a broad smile as he reached for her hand. Instinctively she realized that he had solved his dilemma and prepared herself for what was coming.
Gordon began, “You know this spirit soul and body principle has been a real struggle but I now have a better understanding as to how it can be applied”.
Mildly amused Sylvia squeezed his hand and urged him to continue.
Gordon pointed to the silver pipeline descending into the power station and exclaimed. “That pipeline contains the water required to generate energy, it is controlled by a valve that regulates the water flow, even to the extent that it can totally shut off the supply. In the same way our renewed spirit can be compared to that water supply that is controlled by the valve of our soul, our emotions and our thought processes determine how the spirit can impact our natural beings which are located at the outlet of that pipeline of supply. We can ultimately restrict this flow by our doubts fears and unbelief and my conclusion is that I surrender all to God to keep the valve of my soul wide open to experience what God has done for me and which can only be identified by my renewed spirit”.
The drive home was filled with joy and thankfulness.
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My only suggestion would be to keep Gordon as the focus even in the middle paragraphs where it is more devotional in nature. Have Gordon share the truth as questions he has himself. So for example, instead of this: "The conclusion must be that our spirit has become as pure, as righteous and as holy as it will ever be in eternity, it contains no sin, no inadequacy, no fear, no depression and no discouragement." Try something like this: "Gordon pondered the conclusion. Perhaps it was his spirit that had to become clear. Did this mean he had to rid himself of sin, inadequacy, and fear? What about depression and discouragement?" Or something like that. I felt Gordon got a bit "lost" in the middle. ;)
I love the comparison to the pipe at the end. Great and creative example.