Meeting the Challenge | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Meeting the Challenge | Previous Challenge Entry
By Anne Warden
05/05/22
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Kaitlyn had stood in the blistering sun for several hours already, sweating. They weren’t allowed watches in the women’s holding camp, so she wasn’t sure of the time. But it didn’t matter. Today was the day Jesus had prophesied would come. This entire vast camp was heading toward their moment of “commitment or hell,” as they blatantly called it.

The six long lines were advancing ever so slowly. Eventually her turn would come but, as women reached the tables, she prayed for them. And she prayed with fervor.

Had the teachings and encouragement of herself and others reached the weaker women? Or the newer Christians? Would they remember when it came their turn? Or would they cave, fearing this government? Fearing their own hunger? Fearing death? For the umpteenth time, she prayed for the Spirit to give them Strength they did not possess naturally.

As the lines shortened, Kaitlyn stood tall. She knew she was committed. She would honor her King, no matter what.

Her turn was near. When the elderly woman directly ahead refused to recant her beliefs, Kaitlyn breathed “Praise Your Name!” With her refusal of the beast’s mark, the woman was dragged away. Roughly. Yet she loudly sang the Doxology.

Tears of joy escaped Kaitlyn’s eyes, mingling with the sweat.

As she stepped forward, her heart beat wildly with trepidation. Yet she continued to stand tall.

“Name?” barked the man at the table. He raised a hard face.

“Kaitlyn Beck.”

When he found her name on his list, he chuckled, as if anticipating having his fun at her expense. Sitting back in his chair, he crossed his arms. “So, you’re one of the leaders. Do you think we’ll go easier on you?”

“No, sir,” she replied respectfully, meeting his glare with what she hoped he would read as kindness.

With a sneer, he baited her. “Teach me something I don’t already know. Something like, ‘God loves you.’ Or ‘You’re going to hell.’”

In the following silence, as she waited for the Holy Spirit to open her mouth, they stared at each other. His eyes held a challenge and she prayed to meet it only as Jesus would. But when the Spirit spoke, the gentle words startled even her. “You do realize this world government is using you as their puppet. And when they are through with you, you’ll be disposable.”

The man sat forward in anger. But not before a hint of fear flitted across his face. She continued, “In Jesus’s kingdom, He rules with fairness and love. No one is a puppet. And He does not turn the sincere away. He draws them close.”

The man balled his fists. “This is not about me. And you’d do well to remember that.”

The Spirit urged her on. “I know my fate will be physical death. Bible prophecy tells us that. But I willingly take that punishment – for refusing to worship the beast and take his mark. I also know that sometime after I die, I will go to heaven. To live in joy forever. Physical death is not my final resting place. Because I choose to worship God instead.” She paused briefly. “Do you know your final resting place as a government pawn?”

When he fiercely shouted, “Silence!” she knew the Spirit’s words had hit their mark. As he motioned for the henchman, she smiled lovingly. “What you have heard is true. God really does love you. He doesn’t want you to perish in hell. When Jesus died, He took on Himself your punishment. All you need do is accept His gift.”

Her arms were twisted behind her and snapped with handcuffs. “Committing to follow Him brings a peace you’ll never find following the beast.” Someone grabbed a fistful of her hair. As her heels made furrows through the bare dirt, she saw the man staring after her. The Spirit had planted a seed.

Who else in the line would let Him water it? Who else would add fertilizer? Who else would pull weeds?

Pain shot from her head, back, wrists and feet, as she was tugged backward. For proclaiming her Savior, above all else.

But Kaitlyn knew it was nothing compared to the pain He had experienced at Golgotha for her.

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