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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: rain (10/17/05)
Sam stood in the middle of the field wondering how the farm was going to survive if it did not rain soon. It had been at least a month since the last rain. The crops were dying. If he lost this years supply Sam was not sure how he would provide for his family.

“Lord, you know that my crops will not survive with out the rain. If they don’t survive I am not sure how we will. Farming is my life please don’t take that from me.”

Katie watched Sam walk towards the house. His shoulders were hunched over like he was carrying the weight of the world. She knew that in his mind he was. “Lord please light our path in this dark time.” Katie felt peace surround her.

That night as they sat on the porch Katie spoke. “Sam, God has given me assurance that everything will be ok.”

Sam’s face was hard; “When the rain comes then everything will be ok.”

Katie turned and watched him for a moment. “Sam I know this farm means everything to you. What if it is not God’s will for you to be a farmer?”

“You don’t understand I have always wanted to be a farmer. This farm has been in my family for generations and I will not lose it. My dream is to make it greater than my father or grandfather could have imagined. I did not think God was in to crushing dreams.”

Katie was surprised at his passion and how he had become blinded by it. “Oh Sam. You have to trust God. He may have bigger plans for you than this farm. No matter how much you want it, this farm may not be in your future.”

The next Sunday, Sam and Katie listened to Pastor Free deliver his message.

“Brothers and Sisters, I know this has been a tough month. The lack of rain has caused many of you to question God. All I can tell you is to wait on the Lord. He will lead you if you will let him.” Pastor Free smiled. “I know twelve men who decided to let him lead. Before Jesus came do you think these men ever considered doing anything else with their lives? Jesus told them ‘follow me’. They took a step of faith and God used them to witness and accomplish things they never would have on their own. Maybe Jesus is saying to you ‘follow me’. Are you listening for his voice? Are you willing to take that step of faith?”

The following week Sam focused on trusting God. He prayed daily for guidance and strength.

“Katie an idea has occurred to me.”

Katie sat across from him. “Oh?”

“You know that college education my mom made me get even though I insisted I did not need it. Well, maybe the Lord wants me to use that fancy degree and teach. That was always my second choice in profession.”

Katie sat back stunned. “Really?”

Sam grinned, “I am going to check into it tomorrow.”

Later that night Sam woke to the sound of rain pounding the house. “Katie it’s raining!” he jumped out of bed “We are going to be just fine!”

“That is wonderful Sam.”

“Tomorrow I will need to check all of the crops and see what can be salvaged. Next year I am going to invest in a watering system.”

“What do you mean next year? What about teaching?”

“I won’t have to teach if any of the crops survived.”

Katie stared at him.

Sam sighed. “Let’s not make any decisions tonight. You never know God may still want me to be a farmer.”

The next afternoon Sam came home weary and confused. “The rain destroyed what was left.”

“Honey I’m sorry.”

“No Katie I’m sorry. I let my dreams blind me to God’s plan. I guess that is something I will have to work on.”

“I was thinking maybe God does want you to be a farmer.”

“What do you mean?” Sam asked.

“Well there are fisher of men why not farmer of men? At times God may call you to plant a seed, other times you may be called to water that seed, and then you will have those glorious times when you will help harvest that seed.”

With tears in his eyes Sam smiled. “A farmer of men. A profession that will always have plenty of rain; whether it be blessings or problems the Lord will be faithful.”
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This article has been read 1078 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Garnet Miller 
10/24/05
It hurts when our plans don't equal God's will for our lives. But, all of us remember that God is never wrong. His plans for us will always produce better blessings than we could ever get for ourselves!
Linda Miller
10/24/05
Wonderful message in this story about commitment and change. Both have their place in our lives.
Jeffrey Snell
10/26/05
Powerful transition Sam went through. God's plans for us, though using our gifts, may not be quite how we've imagined them. Thanks for writing!
Sandra Petersen
10/27/05
This has a wonderful message about career changes and trust in the Lord. The idea of a farmer of men is unique. I thought immediately about the verses in the Word about sowing and reaping, in season and out of season, and the four kinds of soil the Word falls upon. My only advice is to proof your article for correct punctuation. There were a couple of runon sentences and commas were needed in other places. I enjoyed this article otherwise!
Nina Phillips
10/28/05
I really enjoyed the way this message was relayed. How it was integrated into daily lives. Nice work! God bless ya, littlelight
terri tiffany
10/28/05
You portrayed their personalities very well. The story was told in a very nice flow. As noted before, there were some grammatical needs but otherwise the writing was VERY good!
dub W
10/29/05
This is fairly well written; the message in the essay is powerful.
Sometimes it is hard for all of us to simply let God handle it.
Thanks for posting.