The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Hunger (07/04/24)
“Sshgrgl”. There it was again. Placing the flat of my palm just underneath my ribcage I shushed my stomach in silent duress. Even before I knew it my eyes were scanning for a solution to the problem. I had only just finished the contents of the red cardboard golden arched pouch, addictively salty, tantalisingly tasty and for a mere moment I toyed with its companion cup, forcing the straw up and down in the pierced cup lid; its squeaking competing with yet another sshgrgl. The vanilla milkshake, cold and thick, lingered on my taste buds, just long enough for me to vacuum up the slippery dregs from the bottom of a gaping chasm. I had opted for fast food, a quick fix, instant gratification, yet it had not met its mark, hit the spot or even filled a gap. How could I still be hungry?

Bluetooth headphones spluttered into a wall of noise as I scrolled, shuffled and swiped my way through the Christian worship playlist for today, pausing only to listen to the adverts promising a life of fulfilment and satisfaction. My phone, grafted to my hand, vibrated and pinged until I acknowledged the receipt of yet another ‘thought for the day’. I glimpsed at it, glassy eyed, hurried through the Bible text and scanned the writing underneath. Rummaging through my pockets I found a half eaten pack of mints and slowly, savouring the moment placed not one, but two, on the flat of my tongue. Momentary satisfaction kicked in, wavered and walked away. Once again I searched the bottom of the cup for the last drop of milkshake -  there was none. It was empty.

Throwing the rubbish in the bin I turned to walk out of the tall clear glass doors and passed the cardboard city of homeless, hopeless, hungry people hoping for a handout from passers-by. My phone jangled in my hand the email was headed Matthew 25:35
'For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.’ I had to admit I felt a little sheepish but not enough to do anything about it. Didn’t they know?  Couldn’t they see that I understood their plight? I too felt their pain because I had an ache inside of me. I travelled past street food vendors of every nationality trying the free samples at each stall. Still there was that gnawing inside of me. The evening was drawing in and a cool breeze shuffled round my shoulders. Ruffling my coat collar upwards and my head downward toward the ground I was desperate for somewhere to get warm again. 

It was then that I heard an old church organ cue the choir ready for their next hymn. The light sparkled through the stain glass windows, deep reds, dark blues and golden yellows.
Crouching in a pew at the back I fumbled with my hymn book until I found number 127 and started to sing 
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, 
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty,
Hold me with Thy pow’rful hand.
Bread of heaven, Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more;
The pipe organ swelled and the choir and the congregation chorused “Feed me till I want no more.” Only after the resonating echo finally soaked away into the stone columns did the minister approach the old wooden pulpit, adjust the microphone, and gently tap it to test it was on. “Tonight’s sermon is taken from Matthew chapter 5” a deep bass voice droned, and it wasn’t until “Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness; for they shall be filled” did I pause to think. The final embers of the evening’s setting sun poured through the alter window, a wheatsheaf and a goblet of wine either side of the centre motif of a wooden cross. Quietly, I dropped to my knees and with tears in my eyes I whispered “LORD, I am hungry and thirsty, feed me till I want no more, feed me till I want no more”.  
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE

JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 293 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Catherine Green 
07/11/24
I love this journey of revelation. Your descriptions are vivid. I was there with you at Mac Donald’s, with my squeaky cup and empty packaging. I was also there with you in the church as realisation fell. For me, some of your sentences were a little long and could be crisper but it’s just personal opinion. I love your unique voice. Blessings
Terry R A Eissfeldt 
07/12/24
You drew me in immediately. Well done
Blessings
Philippa Geaney
07/18/24
Ohh I've been there and done that :). Maccas just doesn't fill the gap. Your writing reminded me of how spiritual food is delightful and filling.
Very creative take on the Challenge topic.
I found the prose a little too seasoned if I may borrow from your theme. I would be hard pressed to choose what not to include as every sentence is delightful but (and my taste only) there was enough there to do several entries.
I too have had that pointed out to me once or twice and on reflection and editing it made my story more believable i.e. my voice did not interfere with the story.
Great work.