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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Car Trip (07/18/05)
My plans are set; I must be free! Nothing can deter my jailbreak from the prison of mediocrity and boredom, but I need an accomplice. Enticing me to a life of adventure, she is the perfect choice. I fall in love the moment I see her – a 1968 Volkswagen microbus.

Twenty years of my life are history. I cannot waste another moment. My pockets are full of money and many friends scattered across the nation have laid out their welcome mats. Freedom tastes sweet.

With microbus wheels rolling and music rocking to the beat of Janis Joplin and the Allman Brothers, “Lord, I was born a rambling man,” is my only prayer.

New Orleans nightlife, sandy Florida beaches, Memphis blues, Manhattan art, mountain climbing, rock concerts, city life, and country living – I experience it all.

Having waited tables through college, work comes easily when cash for another road trip is needed. I continually move from place to place enjoying everything the world has to offer, yet still I am restless. Despite all my exploits, no place on earth seems able to hold my interest. The road is always calling me.

I am unsure of what I am seeking, and I wonder what I am running from. Wherever I go, there I am. Escape is futile. The freedom I hope for is always just beyond my grasp and slipping through my fingers.

Drinking and drugs begin to lose their appeal. A longing awakens in me – I want God.

I head west into the unknown, chasing the sun as it sets on my season of sinful pleasures. The mountains stretch out before me, promising greener grass on the other side.

Carefully winding my way along mountain roads, fear speeds my heart rate as my brakes start to lose their stopping power. I am in the middle of nowhere! Who will help me? I panic. In the distance, I see a road sign, “Kennedy Meadows Resort.”

I careen into the parking lot, brakes smoking. “No problem,” the seasoned mountaineer assures me. “Your brakes are hot. Let them rest a while and you can be off again.”

I tuck my Bible under my arm and venture up the nearest hiking trail. The rocky bluffs standing post around green meadows beckon me into their sanctuary. I turn from the trail and climb into the midst of towering pines. Melted snow cascades from mountain peaks forming magnificent waterfalls. I am awestruck by the majestic beauty surrounding me. This heavenly place has a voice all its own, shouting praise to its Creator.

My Bible is open to Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. As I sit on this mountain, His words are meant for me alone. They become another waterfall, rushing over the stones of my heart. “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened,” Matthew 7:7, 8 (NASB).

In response to His tender presence, healing tears overflow from my heart and I pray, “Lord, I want to get married. I want a family. I want to raise children and teach them about You.”

Reaching out my weary hand to take hold of His, I return to the resort a changed person. He spoke and the restless sea tossing within me is calm. No longer determined to ride every wave, I listen closely for His voice and leading.

I notice that my money fell out of my pocket somewhere on that hike. Astonished, this prompts me to ask Him, “Do you want me to stay here, Lord?”

God’s will is revealed as I learn that the resort restaurant is in need of an experienced server; I am hired immediately.

Then my answer to prayer walks in the room. Now, I know love at first sight, not wanderlust in a microbus with its illusive promise of freedom, but a love that takes root and grows into marriage. I realize that I am not here by chance.

God knew my desires for a family before I ever asked. “Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, thou dost know it all,” Psalm 139:4 (NASB).

Although I am still not fully surrendered, God’s ultimate plan for me is salvation. Under the watchful eye of this loving, all knowing Father, another journey is just beginning – a journey on the road to redemption.
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This article has been read 1610 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Debbie OConnor
07/25/05
Awesome! This is my favorite section:

I am unsure of what I am seeking, and I wonder what I am running from. Wherever I go, there I am. Escape is futile. The freedom I hope for is always just beyond my grasp and slipping through my fingers.

Many of us have experienced this, whether we went searching for answers physically like you did, or just within ourselves.

Beautifully written, wonderful descriptions. I could see the waterfalls and microbus, and I could hear the music as you traveled along.
Debra Brand 
07/25/05
Absolutely awesome!
Cheri Hardaway
07/25/05
Debbie said it first, but this is my favorite line: "Wherever I go, there I am." So often we run, we hide, we confront others, when the true issue is really within ourselves. And no matter where we go, or what we do to find fulfillment, the problem is not fixed, for we carry it right along with us. A beautifully written piece! Thanks for sharing!
Karen Deikun
07/26/05
We're definitely getting a consensus on the best line in the piece. I agree. Wonderful story of God's direction. The amazing part is that God knew all along what was the desire of your heart - you just had to drive a long way to catch up!
Shirley Thomas
07/26/05
Ditto on the favorite line. The whole article is completely amazing!
Phyllis Inniss 
07/27/05
This is truly poetry in prose and I just love it. The way you led up to what God wanted for you all along. It's just great.
Beth Muehlhausen
07/27/05
Ditto what has already been said. I also like the framing - opening with the open road and closing with the continual spiritual journey: "another journey is just beginning – a journey on the road to redemption."
Nina Phillips
07/28/05
They become another waterfall, rushing over the stones of my heart. “Ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened,” Matthew 7:7, 8 (NASB).
This is exceptionally good article. Well written, descriptions-of the physical and of the heart. God bless ya, littlelight
Kyle Chezum
07/29/05
Great job. This was an awesome story!
Maxx .
07/30/05
Very nice journey of faith.
Val Clark
08/01/05
A well introduced, delightful, journey of faith story. A bit of a leap for me, though, from party girl to 'I tuck my Bible'. Perhaps if you expand this you could think about more transition there.
Suzanne R
08/02/05
Beautiful! I love the line, "Nothing can deter my jailbreak from the prison of mediocrity and boredom, but I need an accomplice." Well done!
Deborah Porter 
08/03/05
Crista, you are SOOOO on a roll with your writing at the moment. Congratulations on your 5th place win in the Editors' Choice awards. Very well deserved. You are just going from strength to strength. Love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)