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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Write an INSPIRATIONAL article (11/27/14)
Glancing at the clock, I groaned. If I wanted to go to Bible study, I’d better get a move on it. My muscles ached as I threw back the sheets and climbed out of bed. I thought about all the stress my body and mind had endured. Squabbles over Thanksgiving, making food, and getting to the host’s house an hour away had left me feeling as if I’d been in a boxing match.

In addition to the physical strain, my estranged father had been in the hospital for two weeks and had been relocated to a nursing home. I had driven the thirty miles one-way twice over the weekend only to feel disappointed and unwanted. Every few years, I’d had a chance to reconnect with him, but it only had taken a few minutes of watching and listening to realize Dad had chosen someone else over me years ago. Again, my bed tempted me, but I decided that after the past week, I desperately needed to go to Bible study.

As I climbed into my car and headed down the hill into town, I prayed. Dear Jesus, You know exactly what I need. Please take all this garbage floating around my head and help me get through this tumultuous time. Also, I’d really appreciate a message or sign that I’m doing the right thing. Amen.

Sighing, I looked up and goose bumps popped out on my arm as my eyes focused on this amazing sight that I can only describe as a rainbow; except it didn't bow, there was no rain, and the colors formed the widest vertical band I’d ever seen. Rolling my eyes, I giggled. Seriously, God, do you need to be that obvious with me?

In my heart, I heard him answer, Well, you are known for your stubbornness.

Laughing, I decided God did know me pretty well. I ruminated on this as I drove deeper into the valley.

Chancing a quick glance up, my heart thudded as I realized the band was getting shorter. Apparently, the best vantage point to see this symbol of hope was on top of the mountain. Again, I spoke with Jesus. Oh, come on, I’m not that stubborn, am I?

This time, I didn't hear God’s answer, but noticed the sky darkening the farther downhill I went. With one last look, I realized the band was too far to the right to be pointing to my church. I could feel the hope being sucked out of my soul. Maybe it is nothing more than the light refracting off droplets of water.

I turned the corner and almost crashed the car into the ditch. When I followed the colors to the ground, I realized it was shining below the silos from the farm located right above my childhood home. The sound of sucking hope quieted. Okay, God, are you trying to tell me that there is hope for my dad and me to reconcile; that it isn't too late?

This time, I heard a raspy, mean voice in my head. Look around, you loser, where is your symbol of hope now? You’re so stupid to think God would send you a sign. Don’t you see how dark it is? It may have looked cloudless on the top of the hill, but once you get down in the valley around real people, the darkness overwhelms any light and stomps out all hope. There’s nothing here but despair, and that’s all you deserve.

Tears coursed down my face. The negative voice kept torturing me. By the time I reached town, I was begging God. Please, make it stop, Give me a sign that you love me, that I’m doing the right things. I turned the corner to pull up next to the church and was blinded by the sun. The light was so bright that I had to shield my face. As my eyes adjusted, I felt that warm feeling again. I glanced at the church; I couldn't help but notice the glow surrounding it. I had found my way to my real home.

Wiping away my tears, I looked up once more. Thank you, Jesus. You’re right; I am that stubborn.
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This article has been read 1248 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Allen Povenmire
12/06/14
Such a descriptive read! I wonder how many times we allow that voice of darkness control our actions, instead of following the Light. Well done.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
12/06/14
This is beautifully written. I was holding my breath in hopes you'd find the light. I believe it was there, especially for you.
LaVonne Wood
12/06/14
My husband and I both had relationships with our dad's that we needed to reconcile. As it turned out we made amends before they passed away. There is always hope!

Thanks for sharing. Blessing, LaVonne
Tracy Nunes 
12/07/14
Our truest family is the family of God. What a wonderful example of this truth. I felt so relieved for you when you arrived at church. Thank you for this!
alan kane
12/07/14
We all have times of being stubborn. Some times it can help protect us but other times it can be used as a stumbling block. Thank you for sharing and may not all your rainbows lead to Oz
Margaret Kearley
12/08/14
This is beautifully written -and so compelling to read. Thank you for sharing such a journey which I think many of us can identify with, at least in part. I can't help thinking of the lines of that wonderful hymn ' When Satan tempts me to despair and tells me of the guilt within, Upward I look at see Him there - Who made a end of all my sin.'
Excellent writing - thank you for taking us with you on this walk of faith.
Danielle King 
12/11/14
Hey Shann, lovely to see you in the Challenge again. I love this beautifully written and compelling article and the message you so clearly portray. I would not have recognised it as yours had your name not been on top. It's the absence of bodily fluids that threw me off track. I may need to book a counselling session to overcome acute withdrawal symptoms, but I forgive you.