Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Don’t Look Back (04/19/12)
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TITLE: Move Forward | Previous Challenge Entry
By Yvette Stupart
04/26/12 -
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I sat in the funeral service and I had a sense of peace. It was the tranquility that came from knowing that a beloved child was called home to be with her Father. Although there was distinct sadness at her passing, so much hope was in the church. I listened to the tributes and the words “mission accomplished” stood out. Miss May, as she was affectionately called, completed the task of raising her ten children to become productive adults. Above all, her life demonstrated love and commitment for her Savior.
Her life not only positively influenced her children but she touched many others. Now she is gone home. So the minister’s challenge was not for her who had finished her race, it was for us who are alive. She reminded us that even in these difficult times God is with us. But would we trust him despite hardships we face? It seemed it was a time of reflection for many people in the church. It certainly was for me.
The minister continued to speak, she said “There are hurting people in this church today and you might be asking the same question the Israelites asked.” We were reminded that the Israelites witnessed the great miracles that God performed on their behalf. He moved them out of bondage with a mighty hand. Yet when trouble came they wondered “Is the LORD here with us or not?”
Is our response the same as the Israelites as we face these challenging times? For me, this was a time for self-searching. I have walked with God since my late teen. He has me brought through years of overwhelming difficulties. God continues to demonstrate his graciousness and love towards in every area of my life. In a real sense, he parted my Red Sea of what seemed to be impossible situations so many times.
Yet I sometimes wonder, “God, are you here with me?” There are times that I look back, just because I stopped looking at my Father. Like the Israelites, I become preoccupied with the things around. Then I get impatient with myself. It seems that I am just not getting it! Why do I so often retreat and stop trusting God? But God is patient with me. He has never failed me or abandoned me, he always with me just like he promised (Hebrew 13:5).
As the minister ended her message I felt like cool rivers of water washed over me. I still remember her reassuring words, “God didn’t just make; he made you for a purpose, so he will never leave you.” Yes, God understands my struggles and is here to help me. He continues to help me to understand that he is unchangeable. He wants me to know that wherever I go, he is with me. My Father doesn’t want me to look back. He wants me to trust in him, always.
What about you? God is with you, and he wants you to move forward with full confidence in him.
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This was a well written entry, thank you for this
God bless~
Wing His Words!
I think it would have made a stronger ending if you had left off the last line. I often think I need to summarize or wrap it up for the reader but if you get your message across you don't need to do that.
You did a great job of getting your message to the reader. You did a nice job of writing on topic too. I also thought the verses you chose were perfect for your message.