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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Empty and Full (06/04/09)
The morning light was sneaking into the house through the half closed curtains and blinds. Bob was walking through the living room, trying to be as quiet as possible. His excitement and apprehension were growing with each step. His heart was accelerating it's rhythm, and pounding louder and louder as he progressed towards his goal: the kitchen. Questions about God, prayer, purpose, goals, and blessings, were racing trough his mind. Strength was waining in his knees and his breathing was turning to almost panting, as he opened the kitchen door.

He stopped in the doorway. “Father, I have no idea what lies on the other side of this door. I only ask that You will at last give me the answer that I have been waiting on for such a long time. I will accept Your will, either way. It is all up to You, God.”

He took a deep breath and passed through the doorway, into the kitchen. Instantly, he smiled, then laughed. Down on his knees, he thanked God over and over again. He lifted his hands towards the heavens as tears of joy rolled down both cheeks.

“Thank You Father, thank You. I promise that I will serve You and and be Your servant to the best of my abilities, for the rest of my life.”

He walked over to the table and sat down. There before him was the answer for his future: a glass of water filled to the brim.

You see, Bob was a young man, born to an average family, in a small town in Illinois. His grandfather had been a preacher, but his father had been more of a worldly person. Growing up, he had gotten interested in religion and studied the Bible. He didn't have the money to attend a Christian college. Besides, they were few-and far-between in his neck of the woods. So, he gave his heart and soul to the Lord and studied His word.

He was now twenty-four years of age and just felt inside that God wanted him to preach. Bob wanted to be sure, and he prayed and prayed about it. One evening, he wanted to know for sure what God's plan would be for him. How could he be for sure? That, was the question.

“Father, I am not trying to test You, tempt You, nor doubt You in any way. I just need to be sure that You will accept me as Your servant, preaching Your word to others. So please Father, please let me have an answer tomorrow morning.”

As he spoke those words, he was filling a glass of water to half full. (or half empty, for the pessimists) He then sat the glass on the counter by the sink. “God, if You want me to preach Your word, please make this glass be full tomorrow morning.” He then prayed, and went to sleep.

Now he was sitting at the table, where the glass had been moved to, and was marveling at the water that filled it to the brim. Bob kept thanking God for His answer and praised Him. “Thank You Father, thank You so much.”

“Morning, hon.” His wife, Dorma gave him a morning peck, and started to make coffee.

“Dorma. Do you see this glass?”

“Yes. I got up last night to take my pill. I filled up that glass, but then I needed to go to the bathroom. I forgot about it. Here, let me get you some juice.” She grabbed the glass and emptied the water into the sink.

Bob just sat there, smiling. “You know what?”

“No, what hon?” Dorma realized that Bob's face was one big smile as he looked at her.

“God has called me to be a preacher.”

Bob is now eighty-six years old and is still preaching a couple of Sundays a month in the nursing home where he lives. Dorma is with God since last September. They had been married sixty-eight years. Bob has always stated that he has never been thirsty since that morning.
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This article has been read 697 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Avigail David
06/12/09
Precious are the ways of our LORD to those that love Him and obey His will.

Thank you for writing, "Morning Blessing". God bless you with more to share to bless and encourage others.

Thank you.
Deborah Porter 
06/20/09
Hi Terry. I just wanted to leave a quick note to let you know your entry, Morning Blessing, actually did very well in the Empty and Full Challenge. Although you didn't receive an award, you made it into the Highest Rankings for Level 1, placing 7th in that Level.

There were a lot of entries this week, and the competition is always intense in Level 1, so you deserve a pat on the back. :-)

If you'd like to check the highest rankings for yourself, you can find them here:
http://www.faithwriters.com/Boards/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=25956

The highest rankings are posted every Thursday evening on the Message Boards.

Hope to see you at the FaithWriters' Conference in August. It’s going to be an amazing time of inspiration, information and encouragement. (If I’ve already mentioned that to you, forgive me. We’re just so excited about letting members know about this great gathering.)
http://www.faithwriters.com/conference.php

With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)