The Official Writing Challenge
BACK TO
CHALLENGE
MAIN
INSTRUCTIONS
how it works
submission rules
guidelines for
choosing a level
ENTRIES
submit your entry
read current entries
read past entries
challenge winners
Our Daily Devotional HERE
Place it on your site or
receive it daily by email.


TRUST JESUS TODAY

  • Share
  • how it works
  • Submit
Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: DREAM (01/02/20)
RESTOCKING THE PANTRY

She let out a sigh with a slight shake of her head. How long had it been since she re-stocked her Purpose Pantry? How could she give anyone anything with all those half empty containers just taking up space? Had she really let the oil of joy get so low there was only the slightest portion available? Had “chemo brain” drained the life out of the seeds of hope she had saved to plant in someone’s garden?

As she took a closer inventory, He brought back to her remembrance the two-year journey they had been on. Biopsies, scans, endless blood work, radical chemo, rare reactions, mastectomy, radiation and the gift of being cancer free! And as if to close the banquet hall of rejoicing, heart failure as a parting gift from the chemo. Again, His healing was hers and all the while, the biggest platters of peace were hers to enjoy.

She marveled at His faithfulness because fear was never part of the offerings to choose from. Fatigue, to the point she could not carry on conversations, was frustrating until she accepted it as a gift of weakness (when I am weak, He is strong). Almost dreamlike, in the place that only He could reach her, heal her, encourage her, she found her way back to a full supply of stamina.

As she focused on the pantry and what she would need to serve others in 2020, her list was long and lovely; eyes to see, hands to serve, His spirit to understand, grace, mercy, truth, gratefulness, extra-large supply of joy, Jesus and a whole lot of coffee!

“Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage hold fast that which is good; render no man evil for evil; strengthen the faint-hearted, support the weak; help the afflicted, honour all men, love and serve the Lord, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit. And the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost be upon you and remain with you forever”. (from Gloucester Cathedral, England – my favorite place in the world)
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
This article has been read 506 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Loni Bowden-Horn 
01/09/20
This was such a beautiful illustration of God working in your life.

This was a unique take on the topic. Praise God that you are cancer free. I really wanted to read after browsing the titles and it didn't disappoint.

Cancer does take so much energy out of you but God's restoration is immesurable.

This seems like it came from your a personal experience in your life.

I will continue to pray for you. You certaonly have reinvigorated me for the New Year.
Terrie Ellington 
01/09/20
Wow! What a beautiful and heartfelt expression of God's all sufficiency! I am especially moved by weakness being considered as a gift. That's powerful in itself! It's both eye opening and encouraging. Great authors move people's hearts. Well, you moved mine today. Nicely written. Keep up the good work.
Barbara Culler 
01/11/20
That was an interesting concept comparing a pantry to our inner stuff.
Debra Brand 
01/13/20
I like this a lot, especially the "jars"!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/18/20
This is really beautiful. I have a Chronic Illness that makes even seeing my granddaughter's a difficult and painful time. It takes me days to recover. Playing with those little girls is one of the biggest joys of my life, but I hate the pain that comes afterwards. I start to feel useless and a burden. Your words touched my heart and gave me hope again. I need to do something with my empty jars.