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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: TRIAL (05/10/18)
Wasn’t expecting calamity, but it came anyway! My barn burned down; smoke and flames reaching to the high heavens. My dog died; near broke my heart. To top it off, my pickup truck got stolen. Gloom, despair, and agony on me. I sort of feel like Job. Don’t suppose the Lord turned the devil loose on me, but lots of bad seems to have come my way.



I admit, life was good. The world was my oyster. I was certain I had everything under control.



The fields were ripe and ready for harvest. The weather was balmy with a gentle breeze drying the hay. Even the farm equipment ran like a charm. Nothing broke down. Now that’s a miracle. My boys worked their butts off cutting the fields at just the right time, then raking the hay into windrows. We didn’t get much rest before it was time for the baler to pump out fine bales, row after row. There’s nothing more satisfying than looking back from the tractor seat onto a field dotted with neat rows of hay bales.



Those boys of mine earned their keep, loading and stacking until the barn was filled to the top. I operate this place like a well-oiled machine. It seems most everything I tackle smells of success. Gosh, am I proud of myself.



I never did expect the hay to combust and burn the whole dang barn down!



My magnificent Border Collie, Duke, was the best cow dog a man could have. He obeyed my commands like an angel. I bragged all over the county how he could out work and outsmart any dog around. Didn’t think my old cow, Nellie, would get rebellious and kick the life out of him. Man, I loved that dog.



If that don’t beat all, next day I’m coming out of Aunt Sue’s Cafe with a satisfied belly. I’m ready to head for home, but my pickup truck is nowhere to be found. I know where I parked it but I can’t find hide nor hair of it. Now, how’s a man supposed to get around without his pickup truck? I still don’t know where that darn truck is?



I guess I hit a patch of bad luck. If it weren’t for bad luck I’d have no luck at all. Wait a minute, that’s a silly song. Besides, I know better than to trust in luck, good or bad. My mama raised me right. Trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.



Good gracious, my heart is pounding in my chest. I realize I haven’t been living like my mama and the Good Book taught me. Life has been about my plans, my hard work, my money. Success has gone to my head. Now I remember, pride goes before a fall. I’ve been planning my way, but the Lord started the ball rolling in a different direction.



I fall on my knees, shaking with understanding. I was blind but now I see. In my diversion of living, I’ve lost sight of the Living Water. My broken heart shatters at my selfish blindness. “Forgive me, Lord Jesus. I took my eyes off of You. Apart from You, nothing is really any good! I commit my ways to You. Please heal this broken man.”



I still miss my dog and my pickup truck, but my heart is healing. The Good Book says the Lord works out everything to its proper end. I intend to keep working hard, but the praise and honor goes to my Heavenly Father. He guides me and satisfies me in this sun-filled valley. The good Lord willing, I intend to make hay while the sun shines.







Deuteronomy 8:12-18



When you have become full and prosperous and have built fine homes (and barns)...be careful! Do not become proud...never say to yourself, “I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy.” Remember the Lord your God. He is the one who gives you power to be successful. (NLT)
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This article has been read 420 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
05/17/18
Excellent!

Superbly written, well done in content, delivery and certainly on topic.

Fiery trials indeed...and such a great message in conclusion.

Loved this...

Blessings~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
05/17/18
This is a delight. I thought, this sounds like a country song, and then I had flashbacks of my parents watching HeeHaw. I really enjoyed your subtle sense of humor. You had me smiling and your message touched my heart. My only suggestion would be when using parts of songs, make sure you add an author's note and give it credit. I think most of those songs are in the public domain, but be aware of copyrights. I think you did a great job of writing on topic. You didn't overuse the word either and you have a wonderful clear message that touched my heart.
Christian Belyea
05/18/18
Hi...You have written a very good piece. It reads as well as any novel out there. You are a writer, for sure, and a good one. Remember to keep writing because that's what writers do: They write. I liked your optimism in the face of adversity. Truly inspiring. Don't believe in luck, either. God is in control, not lucky Lucifer. Great job!
willie mikell
05/31/18
Well written plenty of trials you stayed focused
Joy Bach 
10/15/18
Excellent writing. A book is next.