Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: RELEASE (08/02/18)
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TITLE: Dear Faithwriters | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bonnie Kronberger
08/07/18 -
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I would bet, if I were a betting person, that you never imagined when you developed the Writing Challenge, that it would present such a temptation to sin. My sleep has been greatly disturbed as I vacillate between submitting or not submitting my piece for the current topic.
I hear the devil’s persuasive voice in one ear and the Holy Spirit whispering in the other ear.
“Surely the submission rules aren’t literal in their meaning,” the devil suggests. “Every writer is always on the lookout for creative ideas for a story, and when an idea comes, there is no time to waste putting pen to paper or fingers to keyboard.”
And that is exactly what I did. Our pastor made a short comment at the end of his sermon that grabbed me, and like a seed germinating, the statement grew into a story. I began to put ideas together and eventually ended up with a rough draft that had potential. It has been sitting around for a couple of months, waiting for a platform.
This week the topic was perfect for my waiting story. I pulled it up and smoothed out the rough edges until it felt like a beautifully written sonnet. Eagerly, I prepared to submit it to Writer’s Challenge.
It was then the Holy Spirit whispered gently. “Slow down. Wait upon the Lord. Don’t be hasty in your decision.”
“I know,” I may have hissed. “Surely they didn’t REALLY mean the piece had to be written exactly the week of the assigned topic. They know writers work on several pieces at a time, and a good story may be on the sidelines, waiting for the right topic.”
“Remember the joy you have when you are obedient to My will?”
“Yes, it is such a delight. But Father, this piece I wrote should be shared with the Challenge readers. You gave me the words, the emotions. Doesn’t it seem a shame that I don’t submit it? I think it is quite good.”
The devil was not through with me. “Go ahead. Submit it. You know it’s just a little tweak to the rules of submission. You’d probably even place. Besides, the Lord will forgive you and you’ll soon be back on track with Him.”
Oh, how tempted I am!
I went back and read the submission rules again. All ideas MUST be conceived and written AFTER the announced topic! Why did they put the word MUST in capital letters?!
“How will they know?” the devil asked me.
“Jesus, come rescue me from my weak flesh.” I cried. “The happiness of encouraging comments from the readers can never take the place of the peace and joy of obedience and surrender to You.”
My choice is made. I will not submit the piece. I still feel a disappointment at putting the story on the shelf, but I released it to the Lord. The relief of doing what is right far outweighs anything else.
So, dear editors and critiquer’s, the temptation to sin was a hard fought battle. A silly one, it may seem, but very real to my soul. Just thought you’d be interested to know the impact Faithwriters had in my spiritual warfare.
Your entrance into my life has gifted me with focus, purpose, and motivation, along with temptation. Bless you for your work.
Sincerely,
A Struggling Writer
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