Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: RESTORATION (12/03/20)
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TITLE: Emergency Appointment! | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
12/09/20 -
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I cannot stand one more smidgen of ugly rhetoric, ringing assaults from creditors, fragile health, unmitigated hate that shoots from unexpected directions, ignorance of a basic rule that’s golden, and toxic fiery darts of confusion from the enemy!
(Enough!)
Wounded and spent, I stagger to our quiet place in the garden. He is always there. I am the one who skips regular meetings. Not that I don’t sling thanks and requests in His direction all day. Not that I don’t listen to some of His best ministers of the Word and follow in my Bible and say, “Amen.” It’s just that it’s time for a serious conference.
He waits for me to pour out pent-up pain as I roar like an injured animal, “Oh, Lord! Oh, Lord! Help-Help-Help!”
(Immature cross-examination)
Certain questions will not be answered, but still, I feel compelled to keep stabbing my weary heart with the useless point of looking backward as I ponder ad nauseam on the progression of a life unintended.
Why did excellent training that prepared me to provide comfort and aid to others end up for naught when an aggravating disease process snuck up on my blind side and sent me limping home to whimper like a mistreated puppy?
Why did the ‘til death us do part covenant dissolve in abandonment? Why did I believe that twenty years’ worth of loyalty promised twenty more? How did I go from a co-owner spouse of a lovely home to a single-renter barely able to pay for a tiny house with issues?
My Lord has heard it all before from more than one, but He does not fail to offer compassion.
“Are you finished?” He inquires with the quiet healing balm of patience and grace.
Honesty is always the best policy with Him.
“No, Lord. I’m afraid there’s more.”
I reload.
He rests on a bench in our metaphorical private garden and gives me His undivided attention.
Like an off-key singer who has no insight, I bluster on to the end of my discordant solo.
I ask why so many humans are relentlessly mean to each other, why some politicians don’t even bother to pretend they are trustworthy, and why millions are dying from something weird we can’t seem to interrupt.
I lament the dangers of media corruption, the dire consequences of ignoring history, and concern for the spiritually blind who are rushing to embrace the evil of flawed philosophies, dangerous ideologies, and atheistic government structures.
Of course, none of this current drama is big news to our Father!
Even though I know that He is aware, I feel bound to remind Him how it is ripping out the hearts and souls of good people in the thick of the battle as we carry on bruised and battered and hoping for rescue.
Finally, I am exhausted from my arrogant, whining tirade!
I bow my head and weep and ask forgiveness.
When He speaks, I am to be still and KNOW that He is God.
“There is only one answer, but many who are called by My name seem to be stone deaf. You think it is something complicated and meant only for a few special believers.”
I settle down to learn this simple solution and reach for a pen to get it documented for later.
(STOP!)
He doesn’t yell, but the silent command is seriously firm and not to be ignored. This profound teaching is to memorize, not to write.
I repeat after Him until the answer to everything is so ingrained that I can consider no other, ever.
(His Pop Quiz)
“Remember Peter and the water-walking episode? What happened when he looked down?”
“I know, Lord. He sunk like a rock.”
He ignores my accidental pun.
“Why?”
Suddenly, I feel a little timid and even dense, but my spirit must say out loud what my brain only reads and files away.
“Uh, Peter took his eyes off of You, Jesus.”
(BINGO!)
My instructions are to be alert for any hint of fear sneaking in to punch worldly holes in my faith. I am to tune out constant news and gossip and continue to meet with Him for more than drive-by prayers.
I am to share this simple Truth with all who worry and struggle.
No matter what puzzling or scary thing happens, the ONLY answer is to keep our eyes on Him--and nowhere else!
He will see to all the rest. Period. End of sentence.
Case closed, thankfully!
_____
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take.
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