Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Strong (11/21/24)
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TITLE: Foundation | Previous Challenge Entry
By Pamela Freeman
11/27/24 -
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"What are you doing?" I cringed as I heard my tone of voice, wishing I had waited ten seconds before reacting.
"Hmm…what am I doing?" his response sounded a bit sarcastic along with an eye roll. The door was opened wide for that response.
The backyard was a complete mess. All our precious belongings that had not been looked at in years sat in the carport. The yard was covered with rubbish, which used to be a solid wood floor. Tools were strewn about. I looked up and recognized the look of frustration about to blow in my direction.
"I see that you are working very hard on a new project,” I said sheepishly, smiling innocently as he shook his head.
Our once full and sturdy shed was collapsing. The dampness from the soil and years of rain slowly seeped underneath, creating weak, wet wood. When pulled up, it revealed mold and… maggots. Yes, maggots. I shuttered at the horror of those tiny creatures making a home under my perceived treasures that others would call junk.
"Can it be saved?"
"I'm going to try my best. I should have known it would eventually come to this," he sighed in defeat. "I was concerned when the construction started. I asked the guy if maybe he should lay down a concrete floor. After he told me the concrete would cost an extra five hundred, I said no."
"I did say we should spend the extra…” I noticed his grimace, but my words came out anyway, “…money.”
"I get it," my husband turned away and stared at the shed. Now we are going to spend a lot more than an extra five hundred. I will have to tear this down and start from scratch."
"I know this is frustrating, and you probably are not in the mood to hear my little Bible lesson," here I go, as my years of teaching Sunday School kicked in. To my surprise, he turned towards me and seemed interested in what I had to say. I decided to keep going, "Jesus said He is the cornerstone. He is the strong foundation. When we build our lives on Him, the ground beneath our feet will not shatter or fall to pieces. Y’ know, like the rock verses the sand."
He looked at me for a moment. I steadied myself for a sarcastic response, but he said, "You're right. This shed had a weak foundation because I wasn't willing to put in the extra. Honestly, I can apply this concept to my own walk with Christ. I'm doing the bare minimum—enough for me to say I'm good with God."
"Okay?" I nodded in compassion mixed with questioning my husband's transparency. I hadn't seen this side of him in quite a while. "Has that changed for you?"
"No, and I guess yes," he said with his eyes glistening. This whole thing with the shed and what you said has caused me to rethink my commitment. I want a strong foundation. I'm tired of compromise. I want to have a strong, solid foundation in Jesus. I think God allowed this mishap to get my attention."
I couldn't believe my ears. I had been praying for so many years, and now, it comes at a time I would never have expected. I thought this shed mishap would be awful, but instead, it made us stronger and gave us a new perspective. I looked up and whispered, "Thank you." I knew He heard me and was working on my marriage; it was always meant to be a strong, everlasting, solid foundation.
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