Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: CHILL (10/29/15)
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TITLE: Frozen by Fear, Freed by Faith | Previous Challenge Entry
By Trudy Newell
11/03/15 -
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The icy blast of the northern seeped through the sliding-glass doors, chilling us to the bones. Was it only a month ago the lights went out permanently? It seemed like ages since we had electricity and the phones worked. Food, water, heat were now top priority. How are we going to survive? Why had we ignored the signs of God’s fast-approaching judgment?
I sat cocooned in winter garb and wrapped up in a blanket. I didn’t question God’s wisdom in sending disaster on us. We deserved it. The problems had not come so much from America’s great sins, as from the failure of God’s people to turn back to Him. I admit that I turned a blind eye to the abortion clinic just a block away. I couldn’t handle the gay garbage, so ignored what was happening in the nation, in our State, and in our community.
I gave my husband Mark a wry smile, “Well, this is one weight loss program that is guaranteed to work! Too bad I can’t enjoy my new size-zero figure and go shopping. I sure am glad you know how to fish.”
The commotion out front drew our attention. Mark looked out to see what was going on.
“Just the neighbors trying to chop some more wood for fire.” He reported.
I gave a sigh of relief. Even though we didn’t face the problems of those in the city with riots and food wars everywhere, there were plenty of gangs around. If they got wind of the fact you had any food or water, they didn’t think twice about killing you. Guns and ammo were hard to find anymore, but knives would do the job just as well.
Since we still had some supplies, fear gripped my heart. I jumped every time I heard a noise. Neither of us slept very well.
Our one source of comfort and hope was God’s Word. For years my Bible was red but not read. I picked it up on Sunday morning, and Monday through Saturday it took a vacation. Now we had nothing else to do. We couldn’t go shopping. There was no gas, and we didn’t have any money. We couldn’t get on Facebook. The batteries on our Ipads and phones had run out long ago. We couldn’t watch TV. BUT we could read our Bible. Why did it take so long?
I had grown cold to the things of the Lord. I loved Him, but there were too many things piled on top for me to appreciate my relationship with Him. Now the chill was gone. Why did it take such heartache to open my eyes? I can’t believe I was so stupid. It is almost worth the problems to have a passion for the Word of God. A stony-cold heart is not fun.
Mark and I snuggled together on the coach under the blanket. Another plus from the turmoil was it had drawn Mark and I closer to the Lord, and closer to each other. No chill there. We looked out the sliding-glass doors and watched the wind blow the branches.
My mind flitted from one thing to another. What a blessing our well is, we still have water. Too bad we can’t have a hot cup of coffee. I wonder if there is any kerosene?
“Mark, let’s read Genesis again.” I smiled as I remembered having to blow the dust off my Bible when we went to church. Now about all we did was pray and spend time in the Word.
As we huddled together, Mark read aloud, “In the beginning God….”
It was so good to realize that God was sovereign. None of the events of the past month surprised Him. He gave us His Word so we would be forewarned, and be able to stand true to Him when our world turned up-side down.
The chilling fear in my heart began to thaw. Fear turned to faith, and my heart warmed to the truth of God’s ever-present help in times of trouble.
We prayed, and I relaxed.
We had a living hope. Jesus was coming back soon. I could face the unknown. For He could come at any moment. I thought of the early Christians who eagerly waited for the Lord’s return. The promise of a crown of righteousness was for everyone who loves His appearing.
I had been frozen by fear. Now faith had freed me.
Mark squeezed my hand, “Maranatha.”
I whispered, “Maranatha.”
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Well written a "may be happening soon" story.
Well written piece.
I think the first sentence needed the word winds in it.
I see a lot of promise in your writing and hope you keep writing.
This whole paragraph...
I gave a sigh of relief. Even though we didn’t face the problems of those in the city with riots and food wars everywhere, there were plenty of gangs around. If they got wind of the fact you had any food or water, they didn’t think twice about killing you. Guns and ammo were hard to find anymore, but knives would do the job just as well.
...is well written but "tells" us. It is unnecessary because the next sentence....
Since we still had some supplies, fear gripped my heart. I jumped every time I heard a noise. Neither of us slept very well.
....says it all and "shows" us in a stronger way.
Well done!