Set Free | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Set Free | Previous Challenge Entry
By Ken Grant
08/08/18
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Walking slowly down a bleak, dark street at an hour that he used to know too well, Walter ponders what it means to be free. He has just been released from holding after violating his parole for the third time, but being released doesn't make a person free. He knows too well all the places to get high, the faces change but the opportunities persist. He made some changes while in the joint, even attended a few services, but that all seems to disappear into his rear-view mirror now that he is out. The choices are too many and his will-power is too low.

"Hey, Walter, what can I do for you today?"

Those familiar yearnings immediately rise to the surface. This particular guy has been preying on addicts from way back and he knows all the tricks of the trade. He is the enemy, though he often portrays himself as a friend.

"Not tonight."

Walter knows that he has made the right decision this time, but the future is unclear. His faith is small and the challenges around him are large. He shouldn't be out here at this time in this place, but everything about it is so familiar. It continues to draw him in even as he so longs to be set free. His past choices cling to him far more voraciously than he ever would have imagined possible. Those simple youthful indiscretions have become a noose around his neck. A car pulls to the curb and Walter drops his head in frustration. How many offers is he going to have to ward off before the sun rises?"

"Look man, I don't want any drugs."

The man sticks his head out the open window and responds, "good thing, Walter, because I'm not offering."

"Pastor Wells?"

"I've told you to call me Jim. What are you doing out here, Walter?"

"I just got out of jail."

"And you thought walking out here in the middle of the night was a good thing?"

"I suppose not. What brings you around?"

"Coming back from the hospital. Jenny Collins doesn't have much time left."

"I'm sorry. She's a nice lady."

"Can I give you a lift somewhere, Walter?"

"I have nowhere to go."

"Then you can sleep in our back house for tonight. You know it's always available."

"I feel like I'm taking advantage."

"It's better than being out here."

"Yeah, you're right."

Walter gets in the passenger seat. It feels warm and safe inside as they drive. Such a contrast to the dangers of the streets. So why is he so often drawn back to those streets? His mind ponders these thoughts as they pull into the driveway.

"What's on your mind, Walter?"

"You can tell?"

"Occupational hazard."

"I'm wondering why I keep being drawn back to those dangerous streets."

"Yeah. It's a sad story. The thing we don't want to do seems to keep drawing us in."

"You?"

"I have my areas of struggle. Our flesh is drawn to things that bind us up and keep us from real freedom. Only the power of God is strong enough to truly set us free."

"Can God do that for me?"

"Of course he can, Walter, but only if you are willing. You have to want God more than the feelings that sin provides."

"Huh, yeah, I get that. I hate it and love it at the same time. That's why I was out there tonight."

"You have to really want to be free."

"I hope I can get there one day."

"Me too. Now, come on inside. I've got a safe, warm bed with your name on it."

"Sounds good."

THE END

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