Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: FINISH (05/26/16)
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TITLE: Change of Plans | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gary Ritter
05/31/16 -
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“With wings on, baby.” I could barely tear myself away, but got in my car and headed to my appointment. When I reached the gun shop, I opened the trunk to remove the three pistols I planned to sell and went inside. Several customers browsed the aisles, and a couple stood at the counter chatting with the man behind it. When they’d finished, I approached him. “Are you Dave, the owner?”
He shook my hand. “Sure am. What can I do for you?”
“I called you the other day about buying my guns.”
Dave nodded. “I remember. Let’s see what you got.”
I plunked the three storage cases down before him. With a practiced hand he opened each one in turn and examined the weapons. “Look like they’re in good condition. High end.”
“Only the best. Never know when you’ll need them.”
“Why are you selling?”
“Oh…personal reasons.”
We went downstairs to the range, and he shot a partial clip from each one. Back behind the counter he made an offer, and I agreed to his price. At that moment he cocked his head and got a faraway look in his eyes. When he refocused, he asked me the oddest thing. “Can I pray for you?”
His question took me aback, and I fumbled for a response. God and me—well…. In the end, I said, “Sure.” I didn’t realize he meant right then.
“It’s Frank, right? Frank, will you take my hands?” Dave reached across the glass between us and waited.
With a glance around, I noticed other customers still in the place. What would they think? I’m not a small man. I played tight end in college and did just fine, thank you, because of my size. But holding another guy’s hand while we prayed? I swallowed hard and extended my fingers toward Dave. He grabbed my entire hand and began to pray.
I tried to close my eyes, but was too self-conscious and barely registered what he said. I didn’t think it mattered anyway. This was for Dave’s benefit more than mine. When the “Amen” came I snatched my hands back. We completed the transaction with me feeling a tad awkward, and I left the store.
Driving away I wanted to celebrate. I had the spare cash I needed for Shelly and me. But then, I’m not sure what happened. Guilt washed over me. It was sudden and so convicting that my plans disintegrated in that moment. I couldn’t go through with them. Despite my apathy, God had intervened. I fought my response, but before driving five miles, gave up, and pulled to the side of the road.
Dave answered my cell phone call. I didn’t know whether to curse or bless him, maybe a little of both. “Dave, your prayer. I can’t explain it. I planned to divorce my wife and marry Shelly, my secretary. I was going to leave my kids; throw it all away. That’s what the extra money was for. I can’t do it now. Whatever you said, God heard it. I’m going back to the office now and tell Shelly. It’s over. I’m finished with her. She’s fired. Then I’ll go home and try to make a new go of it with my wife. I’ll tell her everything and hope she takes me back. Will you pray for that, Dave?” Tears streamed down my face. I was a mess and couldn’t see a thing. It took another ten minutes before I could continue driving.
As you can imagine, Shelly wasn’t happy in the least. She left with a string of invectives. My wife was suspicious, but over the next weeks and months I proved my word through my fidelity. Funny thing how my family began enjoying each other again after I confessed and started doing right.
Ten years later I ran into the man whose prayer got me on the right track. “Dave, you had no idea what I was about to do when I first saw you, but you were obedient to God. I did what I told you, and I’m happily married. Hard to imagine, but I’m now a deacon in my church. Without you—“
Dave pumped a fist. “Praise the Lord!”
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