Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: FALSE (04/15/21)
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TITLE: Desert Rain | Previous Challenge Entry
By Lorie Coffin
04/22/21 -
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Three full scoops of the dark grains began to percolate in the water, wafting a lovely aroma but even that failed in its attempts to comfort her. Pouring herself a cup, she added a little cube of sugar, just like she liked it and settled into her favorite chair for her morning devotions.
A numbness from grief had set in now. It had been three months. Most of all, she was angry at herself for not seeing the signs. Not that there were many. Deceivers were good at what they did.
She gathered a warm blanket to cover her legs, protecting herself from the morning chill. The rain falling outside seemed foreign yet, strangely, it calmed her. Everything seemed to pause when it rained in the desert, like all of creation was pondering this strange interruption and trying to decide if it should be welcomed or rebuffed. It was only later, when the desert bloomed that the answer came. A little rain, a little storm worked for its good in the end.
“Lord,” she prayed, “did you mean for this storm to do me good as well?”
No answer. Just the sound of the raindrops on the windowsill.
She wondered what it smelled like outside. She always loved that smell. Sagebrush and antelope bush, arid grasses and red dirt, all releasing their fragrance together and intertwining into an intoxicating, rare scent that only happened a few times a year. And afterwards, flowers, lots of them.
“Like the rain and snow falling from heaven does not return to Me but causes seed to bloom, so is my word that proceeds from My mouth.”
The thought interrupted her musings about the desert like a good friend might.
“As the rain came down and watered the earth, so My word will water you.”
She recognized the voice. Jesus had told her she would. Yet, how had she followed another, this pastor who had betrayed her trust and the trust of his congregation? Not only had he fallen, he had intentionally seduced some of the young women. How could she ever trust again?
“There will be false teachers and false brothers among you.”
It was as if God was answering before she asked. It had been months since she’d heard a word from God. Nothing but dryness. Deafening silence.
“Paul was harmed by false brothers. Jesus too. You are in good company.”
She paused to think about that.
“You need to forgive him and bless him and let it go.”
She shifted uncomfortably in the chair. She knew she should but it was so hard. The grief had been her constant companion for some time but she knew it would become a bitter root if she did not forgive.
“I want you to move forward. I have more for you. Let it go.”
The voice was gentle and loving, like an invitation.
“You are fellowshipping with the sufferings of Christ. Are you going to let that man steal even more from you; your peace, your confidence, and your faith in Me? I did not betray you. I trusted you to experience this and to not run from Me. I am testing and growing your faith. You will bloom in this desert place if you receive My word like rain. I have watered you before and I will water you again. I will help you overcome it.”
Immediately she thought of Isaiah 35, about God watering the desert of Israel and making it bloom like a miracle.
“Lord,” she prayed, “you trusted me with this experience?” She had never thought of it like that before.
No answer. Just the sound of a heavy rain.
She smiled, and setting the blanket aside, stood up and walked towards the front door. Casting a brief glance at the umbrella, she opened the door and stepped out into the downpour.
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