Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Inner Strength (04/20/06)
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TITLE: BENEVOLENT BLESSINGS | Previous Challenge Entry
By esther robinson
04/22/06 -
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Christy speaks.
“I rejoined work after recovery from a major operation. The employee appraisal for that year was completed. Every worker, like a child eagerly waiting to hear the bell of the ice-cream man, awaited the official announcement confirming the pay raise. That day, two hours before dusk even a grumpy face simpered. To me, it was a simple sign. Good increment.
‘Don’t worry Christy! You’ll get increment next time.’ Casual comments like Job’s Comforters came from my friends and co-workers. I couldn’t digest the situation. My blood congealed. Bills standing for clearance winked at me. ‘No increment! What are you going to do?’ These words echoed. Blood dripped from my heart even as I forced a smile from my lips. Off late I’ve been traveling through the valley of financial crisis. Tears became my food. The burden of heavy medical expenses also weighed my spirits down. I did admit the fact that my absenteeism happened unintentionally. Yet, an increment in salary is what I craved for, a basic need of the hour.
The man in authority couldn’t help me. As per the company’s criteria, I am unfit for receiving a hike. I sobbed bitterly. My mind refused to work. I rushed to the reception room of the Manager – Human Resource Development. ‘Why have you denied me the increment for this year?’ Shielding my anger, politely I advanced with the sword. I lost the battle. ‘Useless! This man cannot help me. Why is there a need for a so-called Human Resource Development? Can it not analyze the need of the employee? Don’t they have better options or alternatives?’ Muttering thus, I came out as an angry lioness that’s deprived of its prey. My heart became a pot brewing sorrow, fear, disappointment mixed with other bitter ingredients. The joyous faces of others with pay-checks in their hands increased my temperature even more.
I cried that day and the day following. Suddenly a thought flashed. 'God’s standard for receiving bountiful blessings are unique and superior. Varies from individual to individual.' Even without my volition, some sort of an inner strength suddenly filled me. Immediately I sent secret supplications silently sealed to my Creator. 'Surely the Lord God will help me; who is he who will condemn Me? I will lift up my eyes to the hills; from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth.'
The Holy Spirit descended. A sweet, soft, still voice struck my ears. 'My dear daughter Christy! You are worried over many things. Do you want this small increment from mortal hands? Or, do you expect my gracious, merciful and immortal hands to pour out blessings upon you?'
I submitted my life into God’s hands and dropped this matter from memory. An inner strength filled the low-pressure belt formed, the storm abated and my heart became calm as never before. These words kept reverberating. 'Surely the Lord God will help Me. Who is the person on earth who will condemn Me from receiving His blessings?'
During break time, I read the letter again. Wonder widened my eyes.
Dear Christy,
Greetings to you in the mighty, matchless and marvelous name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
For a long time, the Lord urged me about this matter. Today, I feel in my spirit that I have accomplished His will. You’ve been more than a friend. I cannot forget all that you have done for me. Words cannot express your commitment and care. My heart bubbles with joy for a Good Samaritan like you.
As you are aware, I am leaving for United States. God has blessed me with a good placement. As a token of my gratitude please accept this.
God willing, we shall meet again.
Affectionately
Your sister in Christ
Deborah Latimer
Six crisp notes slipped like smilies into my hand. Six times more than the increment received by my co-workers. 'Surely the Lord God will help Me. Who is the person on earth who will condemn Me from receiving His blessings?' With tears in my eyes, I knelt down and sent a ‘Thank You’ note above with this assurance and inner strength, 'There is a God of justice up above for me.'"
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