Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "Make Hay While the Sun Shines" (without using the actual phrase or literal example). (03/06/08)
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TITLE: Don't Hesitate | Previous Challenge Entry
By Marita Thelander
03/10/08 -
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It had been two weeks since he had argued with his wife. She pretty much kicked him out of the house. Tom had packed up all of the camping gear he could grab and headed to a campground not too far away. The commute to work seemed easy enough and no one noticed anything different. He would put his ear plugs in at the construction site and go about his business.
Rubbing his chin again, he thought to himself, I should have shaved. Feel kind of scruffy. Sitting in church made him think of his mother. Funny, my mom always said I’d find my way back to God. Well, not sure I am coming back. I’m just looking for a warm place and something other than a log to sit on.
Tom recognized the next song. He cleared his throat and joined in quietly. It’s been a long time since I’ve sang anything but Country Music blasting at work, or in my truck. This feels different.
The next song appeared on the large screen. A waterfall moved in the background as the words appeared over the scenery. Tom didn’t recognize it, but it had a simple melody and he could feel the song's movement into the chorus. His fingers were gently tapping the seat in front of him as he hummed along, closing his eyes.
My heart feels so much lighter. God, are you here? Do you remember me?
Tom became lost in the seamless worship. He could feel his voice blending with the woman leading, and found himself harmonizing from time to time. His body made slight movements in rhythm, along with his toes.
I’m forgiven, because You were forsaken. I’m accepted, You were condemned…
Tom’s heart began to stir. What a beautiful song.
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit lives within me…
Whoa, what is this? Tom began to feel panic. Why is my heart racing? He tried to push the emotion aside. I can feel the progression to the chorus. Maybe I can catch on and sing.
Amazing love, how can it be, that You my King should die for me…
The pastor stepped to the edge of the platform. Tom’s heart raced like he had been caught doing something wrong.
“As we continue to sing this song,” Pastor spoke quietly, “if there is anyone here that would like prayer, I would be honored to pray for you. I sense the Spirit of God moving in our midst. Someone needs to know that; ‘now is the day of salvation.’ Don’t wait, God is calling you to make a decision today.”
Amazing love, I know it’s true. And it’s my joy to honor You…
People began to move from their seats and meet the pastor for prayer. This amazed Tom that he would take time to pray individually for people.
No way could I go down there, Tom reasoned. He doesn’t have time to pray for me.
Tom fidgeted as the prayer line grew shorter.
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me, because You died and rose again.
I’m not alive. I’m not well. God, Your Spirit doesn’t dwell in me.
The pastor’s words interrupted Tom’s revelation. “I want to give one more opportunity. Would anyone else like prayer?”
The pastor hesitated.
Tom hesitated.
The pastor turned towards the platform stairs.
Don’t hesitate. Why am I still standing here?
The pastor stopped and turned around to face the congregation. His eyes were scanning the faces, “I urge you, don’t hesitate.”
You are my King, Jesus, You are my King.
The music began to build. Tom felt like his heart would explode.
Amazing love how can it be? That You my King should die for me...
Tom’s legs began to wobble. Unexpectedly, he lunged for the aisle. Tears streamed down his face as he jogged down to the front of the sanctuary. People were still returning to their seats and Tom looked like a fish trying to swim upstream. He muttered to himself as he made his way to the pastor. Don’t wait…can’t wait…must do this now.
Tom fell to his knees, weeping. The pastor knelt with him and led him in a salvation prayer, and whispered in Tom’s ear, “Now is your day of salvation, son.”
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2 Cor. 6:2b….Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. (NKJV)
You Are My King (Amazing Love) Words and Music by Billy James Foote
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Laury
As I was reading this, I saw myself being transported into that church. I was sitting near that man, and I watched as he struggled with his thoughts and then finally broke free and went up to the front to get prayed for.
Being able to transport someone directly into your story is the sign of a great writer. You did just that for me.
Moving up to Masters soon maybe? :)