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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: SHOP (01/03/19)
John was in a hurry. The brisk wind scurried him through the downtown slum area. He didn’t want to be late for this opportunity. As he entered the door to his homeless shelter, he was relieved to see that she was already seated. John prayed this meeting would be everything it should be. "Please Lord, give me the right words". The aroma of a hearty stew beckoned and he made his way through the chow line, delighted to see there were biscuits also." Praise Jesus for this good day."
John sat down across from Alice. He knew she probably wasn’t overly excited about his gesture today. Being homeless to Alice meant gloomy living and she excelled at being cranky. But John perceived her as a beautiful soul and simply couldn’t let her continue to dwell in misery. He had been going out of his way to be kind and compassionate. He could be a charmer for sure – Alice was prepared to give him her biscuit if he asked, but she wanted no part of being subject to a God that had taken everything from her. What she didn’t know was that John was Christ centered and could be relentless in his quest.
His life hadn’t always been destitute. He had grown up in a material world, every unnecessary thing available. It was a way of life supported by his family and his peers, all living beyond their means. One day it came to a devastating halt with an ungodly act out of his control and life as he knew it became void. There were lessons to be learned, but John had no regrets. He must forgive and move forward, fortunate that a path had been laid for him to live each day with dignity and a clean conscience.
He came to realize God was now his sole (soul) provider. It seemed God had given him an open expense account with no fears of it being taken away. John had acquired the “God Card.” It was backed by the Bank of Faith and John used it wisely. It had never failed him. Each time he made a withdrawal from it in the form of prayer requests, he would replenish the account with praises to the Lord, trusting that God knew his needs. John often gave testaments of mercy to spread the Word. And he was saving up for a special trip – a one-way ticket to Heaven. This “card” came with that guarantee and John loved advertising that anyone could make that journey. The business of peddling Christ was good.
Today, he was determined to sell Alice on the deal – life with Christ to experience epic spiritual wealth. He greeted her with a twinkle in his eye and she warmed slightly. Yup, he probably wanted her biscuit but he seemed pretty excited to just visit with her. She made small talk, but the Lord had laid on John’s heart to get to the point.
John grabbed her napkin and folded it carefully. He wrote GOD in the center of it. “Alice, this is yours to remind you that God loves you and is always with you. It’s sort of like a bank account that will never run dry. It can’t buy you material goods but it can open doors and take care of you. It just requires your faith and a positive approach to life through Christ. This is like having a credit card with boundless resources, but you must trust it is for your eternal destiny. And God really does like you to pay it forward with praises and witnessing of His powerful love for you.”
John went on to tell her how God had given him subtle small miracles daily when he didn’t even realize it. He finished by praying with her, emphasizing the Lord was with her too, if she opened herself to His grace. They agreed to meet again the next morning. Alice held the napkin close. She was feeling the connection. Now she understood why Christian folks always acted so complete. They were covered with the God Card and were assured their investment into an eternal life was in the works.
The next morning, John and Alice had breakfast together. He felt the hope of promises blossoming within her. She was shyly happy, but hungry to hear more about the benefits of an account with God. Alice certainly had some shopping to do. John would have another satisfied customer.
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This article has been read 468 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Lynne Eliason
01/10/19
I apologize for story format. The original document has the paragraph breaks. They didn’t carry over when submitted.
Claudia Barrington
01/11/19
Oh how I love this inspiring, encouraging, beautifully written, beautiful story.

Maybe the following sentence could be expressed more clearly: "One day it came to a devastating halt with an ungodly act out of his control and life as he knew it became void.

Favorite phrases: "...every unnecessary thing available." (Yep.)
“…with no fears of it being taken away.” (Yes, having nothing to lose is great freedom!)
“…replenish the account with praises to the Lord.” (Yes! Thank you for helping us to see it this way.)
“…epic spiritual wealth.” (Another YES!)

Great job. Blessings to you.
C D Swanson 
01/11/19
Wow! Such an amazing entry along with a powerful message, Thank you!
God bless~
Barbara Culler 
01/12/19
What a unique take on shop! I would like to see more showing of the action, rather than mostly telling. Be careful about exposing who the author is before the judging is complete.