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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: WEAK (07/22/21)
Elsie sits at the window of her apartment, immersed in her private world of depression and dismay. It all happened since their only son, Bertie, died of an incurable brain tumor. She never could get over the sorrow and hopelessness. She stopped caring for her husband, Ronnie, her home and herself. Finally, disappointed and miserable, Ronnie left her. And so Elsie sits alone.

She doesn't feel the warm sunlight, she doesn't hear the joyful chirruping of the birds, she doesn't see the lovely flowers in the garden outside. The breakfast on the table lies uncared for, the coffee untouched. She gazes with unseeing eyes at the Bible on her lap. Bereft of nourishment her body is weak, bereft of the Word of God her faith is weak. Bowing her head she silently prays,
" I can't bear it any more , O God, I am weak and tired. Let me die."

The cheerful chimes of the phone startles Emily out of her reverie. She looks at it with disgust, but out of habit she picks it up. It is her neighbor, Gladys calling her, " Elise, dear, I am baking some blue berry muffins and am bringing them over. Let's have breakfast together". Years of being a good hostess forces Elsie to mechanically set the table, lay out some butter and fruit and put the kettle on for tea, and freshen up. Gladys arrives with the freshly baked muffins and a loaf of bread. The aroma of the baked goods and the cheerfulness of Gladys changes the gloomy atmosphere into a happy one.

The joy of the Lord overflows as Gladys shares God's love with their meal. For the time being, Elsie feels much better and agrees to go with Gladys to the Bible study that evening at the Community Center.

At the Bible Study that evening, the lesson is taken from 1 Kings 19: 1-8. Elsie is not really listening until they came to verse 4. Deeply depressed Elijah is lying under the juniper tree, praying, " It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life." Surprised, Elsie remembers that it was the same prayer she prayed that morning. She listens to God's answer to that prayer. He sends an angel with food - a cake baked on coals! God answers her prayer in the same way - He sends a ministering angel in the form of Gladys with baked food. "Arise and eat, " the angel said and Elijah arose and ate and with strength continued for forty days until God gave him his assignment.

Maybe, Elsie thinks, God has an assignment for me too, a purpose for my life. Already she feels her depression and weakness slip away . The lesson ended with the promise,
"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God : I will strengthen thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Comforted and strengthened Elsie returns to her apartment a changed person.








All Bible references are from KJV.
This is a fiction.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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This article has been read 342 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Ruthie Alekseeva
07/31/21
Beautifully written. I hope this places :)
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
08/02/21
This is a powerful story. You do a fine job of showing depression and despair. I like how it mirrored what happened in the Bible. Be careful about subtle POV shifts. You did a nice job of writing on topic and delivering a clear message.
Bea Edwards 
08/03/21
You summed up God's purpose and perfect timing, changing a life in a moment of time.

In real life circumstances, it's when Holy Spirit prompts and we obey, becoming Gladys's to our neighbor, that His providential, magnificent love is displayed.

Well written example of His mysterious moves.
Lillian Rhoades 
08/07/21
Elijah's experience under the Juniper tree aptly illustrates the topic. I was immediately drawn into the narrative with your opening sentence. Great beginning. Remember to be consistent with verb tenses within a sentence.
Ex. "Elsie is not really listening until they COME..."

Excellent application of a biblical story that points to God's faithfulness when we are weak.



Anne Warden 
05/05/22
Shanta, this piece is beautiful! It brought tears to my eyes.
A well-deserved placing in your level!