Seeking Her Treasure | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Seeking Her Treasure | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bonnie Derksen
07/20/06
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She knew to whom she belonged, but the incessant badgering by the enemy of her soul had drained her confidence. The attacks were like waves, relentlessly crashing on the shore, and now her faith needed fresh stabilization, the dry ground of reassurance.

She swung the front door wide, calling out, “Father? Where are you?” She knew He was somewhere in her house, but not here. Having received the atoning sacrifice of Jesus years ago, they no longer met at the front door. She moved through her house, footsteps echoing in the halls.

First, she looked in the kitchen. It was here, as she surrendered to the reading of the word of God, that she enjoyed the satisfying food of prayer and praise. “Father?” No answer.

“Maybe He’s left…” Like a wave, doubt swept over her; threatening to carry her faith and trust out to sea. The Father’s Spirit stirred within her, giving her a solid anchor of truth. “SURELY, I AM WITH YOU ALWAYS.”* His words were secure moorings for her heart. She wrapped them around her waist as a belt, continuing her search.

Hand on the doorknob of the washroom, she thought of recent days. Life had been moving at a comfortable pace and so self-confidence had subtly replaced her desperate need for Jesus. Confessing her independence, she opened the door and looked around. “Father?” Empty, but as she turned to leave her heart was cleansed, forgiveness fully received once again. She looked to the heavens, raised her hands in thanksgiving and declared, “I love you, my Lord.” Determined to find her soul’s treasure, the image of her words wafting in the air, like a sweet fragrance of worship and adoration, went unnoticed.

“I’ll look for Him in my bedroom. Maybe He wants me to rest in His presence today.” Wistfully, she thought of this morning’s battle as she had been woken by worries and concerns. Recognizing the tactics and their source, she had dressed in the clothes of her position in Christ. Standing firm, the Tempter had left. “Father?” He wasn’t here either. As she turned to leave, she noticed the sun shining through the windows wrapping a chair in its warmth like an invitation to sit and rest. She would not be sidetracked. “I must find my Father. I want to be where He is and look into His eyes.” She left for the last room in the house of her heart.

While opening the door the persistent doubt dared to pester her again. “What if He’s not here?” She stopped the thought from settling in, dismantled the lie and commanded the doubter to leave. Moving freely into the living room now, she was greeted by a familiar voice.

“There you are, my child. I’ve been waiting for you. Come here, come closer.”

Relief, thankfulness, joy, love, all flooded her heart in levels and degrees impossible to weigh or measure.

“I heard you calling my name and my heart leapt with joy. Your persistence blesses me. I delight in you and want to clothe you afresh with my love.”

Like a child, unhindered by self-consciousness, she climbed into His lap and leaned against His chest. In her ears she heard His heart beating and her soul was comforted and filled. The Father opened His hand and gently took her finger to trace the writing on His palm.

“Daughter, I want you to remember for all time, through all of your days, that I have recorded your name on my hand. You are precious to me and my thoughts are always for you.” She felt His big arms wrap around her as she surrendered and released any lingering insecurities.

In the light of His presence, she looked down at her own hands and noticed some marks that had not been there before this visit. Knowing His daughter’s curiosity, the Father exclaimed, “Would you look at that! My fingerprints are all over you.” And the room filled with the sound of His heavenly chuckles.

“You are mine and I am yours. Now rise up and let’s go into your world. Be strong and courageous. Show them that I am the lover of your soul and theirs.”

And following her Father out the door, her heart filled and overflowing, she determined to do His will; in His steps, by His power and with His mark all over her.

*Matthew 28:20b (NIV)

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