Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Confused (05/21/26)
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TITLE: Tara's prayer | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gloria Turowski
05/28/26 -
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Tara’s hands tightened anxiously, “I know, Dolly, the money for your senior beach trip. How much are you short?”
“I saved five hundred dollars…I’ll need…I’ll need three hundred to cover the room and a little spending money.”
Tara nodded as she walked to her office to review her budget. Before she opened her computer, she realized she’d neglected Bible study this week. The guilt shook her. She decided to skip the budget and concentrate on something meaningful. She folded the thin corners as she read scripture. She highlighted a favorite verse, “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.” (1 Corinthians 14:33 NIV). Tara ruminated on the verse and wrote it by hand in her journal. Lately, confusion had swept in while trying to pray and read her Bible. Her mind wandered to laundry or bills as she tried to concentrate.
Medical bills had been piling up since her knee surgery, and now Dolly’s trip. Tara’s budget had little wiggle room. Dolly had promised to cover her senior trip, at least that was the plan. Tara twisted her knee two months earlier, which was unfortunate since it wasn’t fully covered by insurance. Tara tried to snap out of her pity party and thought of another verse reminding her of God’s promise to avoid confusion and provide. “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (Psalms 32:8 NIV). What a relief to know God’s love was surrounding her. Tara finished her short devotion with a prayer, asking God for wisdom and direction.
Reluctantly, Tara turned on her computer and reviewed her budget. Nothing had changed. Still no room for additional costs. Massaging her temples, Tara thought of her minimal savings account. A month’s worth of emergency expenses was her safety net. Tara hoped to add to the savings each month without success. Just this once, maybe she could embezzle to cover Dolly’s bill. She could set up payments for her surgery co-pay, but the additional trip cost had to be paid by Monday.
Tara’s cell phone rang. “Hello.”
Hi Tara, this is Evelyn, Paige’s mom. Paige and Dolly are going on the summer trip together.”
“Hello, how can I help you?”
“We had a parent escort cancel and were wondering if you’d like to take her place. I know this is last-minute, but the good news is that your room cost and Dolly’s will be comped. We would owe Dolly her deposit.”
Tara’s heart pounded. “What an amazing offer. I work from home, and have vacation time saved…”
“That’s wonderful…”
“I’ll need to check with Dolly, but I think she’ll love the idea, more money for shopping.”
“Great, please let me know when you decide, we only have a few weeks before the trip.”
Tara blinked back tears. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Folding her hands over her head, Tara couldn’t believe how quickly God answered her prayers. She looked up and whispered a grateful “thank you.”
Tara closed her computer and thought of a verse that could only describe how God worked all things together for her good, plus added a much-needed vacation. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV).
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