Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Proverbs 27:17 (04/27/23)
-
TITLE: Lena and Sonya | Previous Challenge Entry
By Gloria Pierre Dean
05/03/23 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Lena found it hard to make friends, and that was mainly because of her horrific childhood with an abusive dad and a passive mum. As a schoolgirl, she had few, if any friends. She seemed to make the wrong friends and in tenth grade got into a bullying gang that taunted others…Many reports were sent home.
She did graduate from high school and the local college so she was employable, thankfully. She developed an iron-like exterior that kept people away. She worked in online sales, so never had to deal with office staff. In her spare time, she watched tv a lot and that is how she heard about the church. She felt an urge to go and resisted for a time, but eventually, she attended, just to see what it was like. The people were friendly, smiled, and greeted her as she entered, and did not push into her space.
However, Sonya was one who pushed.
She smiled at her, talked to her, invited her to activities, and often asked how she was doing.
“If you ever need anything, just ask. I may be able to help” was a phrase she often used.
Lena kept coming to church and found it hard not to like Sonya. She was strong and yet gentle. Lena did not know that Sonya prayed for her daily and asked others to pray too. She believed that the iron will of Lena needed to bend to the greater will of God and His Holy Spirit.
Sonya’s faith in God was the stronghold of her life, all her life from childhood and the many trials and triumphs of her adult life. She was encouraged by intercessors in the Bible like Ephratus who interceded and prayed for the early church daily. That was his calling. {Colossians 4:12}. She had also admired Jethro who was the iron in Moses’ life. Giving him excellent advice that saved his life and guided his leadership style {Exodus 18:17-18}. As The Word says Jesus and the Holy Spirit intercede for us {Romans 8:34, 26-27, Hebrews 7:25}.
The brokenness that Lena exhibited, despite her iron will, challenged Sonya. So, with the help of God, she spiritually pursued and interceeded for Lena’s healing and for seeing her on the path to her destiny in Christ.
Their friendship continued. Lena continued to come to church and would attend some social gatherings when she could.
Some months later, out of the blue; one day, Lena said to Sonya, “I believe that I must give my life to Christ and forgive my parents!!” She was in tears when she spoke. Sonya started crying too. She took her friend to the Pastor and they helped her to take the giant step to healing, forgiveness, salvation, hope, and eternity.
Years later, Lena was ministering to others who needed emotional and spiritual help at the church. Sonya and she were still close.
As iron sharpens iron, so people can improve each other and sharpen their friends. {Proverbs 27:17}
As one piece of iron sharpens another, so friends keep each other sharp. {ERV 27:17}
As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another… [through discussion]. {Amp 27:17}
"One person can be used by God to help the other. The incentive here was to be mutually beneficial. Both pieces of iron must work together to accomplish the desired intent. That was the motivation. Both items needed sharpening".
[https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-is-the-meaning-of-iron-sharpens-iron-in-proverbs-27-17.html
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.
Nicely done,
God Bless~