Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Proverbs 30:5 (04/20/23)
-
TITLE: The Greatest Test | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jack Taylor
04/25/23 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
Memories were strong. Memories of Egyptian pyramids rising from the sands as token memorials to the short lifespan of even the mightiest among us. Long treks along the coastal path by the Great Sea. Childhood days among the rolling green hills of the Galilee. The gentle caress of a loving mother. The consistent smile of a gracious father. And always enough food to fill his belly.
Day after day the mirage of an oasis had played with his mind and lulled his feet to turn toward an empty promise. There was nowhere to hide. Not a tree nor a shrub survived in this cursed place. Even God seemed to have abandoned this touch of hell. It was enough to test the deepest faith.
From early days he’d known the pull of the beyond. The reading of Torah was honey to his soul and rich fare for his mind. He knew every step of Abraham, every task of Moses, every battle of David. The story of his people guided every step he now took.
“Father, “ he whispered to the heavens. “You will never abandon and never forsake your own. Your word is true.”
Weeks had already gone by. The frigid nights chilled him to the bone so that he shook as he curled up in a fetal position, longing for the dawn. When the sun had thawed him out and then threatened to toast him in its heat he longed for the cool of evening. Even the briefest hint of shade was an illusion.
He’d risen from the river, elated at the heavenly affirmation of his identity. He’d turned his steps toward the wilderness knowing that the challenge would stretch him to the limits.
No living thing competed with him for space out here. Lizards had long abandoned the harsh environment. The Bedouin shepherds had moved their flocks to more habitable surroundings. Not even camels shuffled through these barren wastes.
The words he’d memorized early filled his mind. Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land the LORD promised on oath to your ancestors. Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands. He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.
The presence had been lurking, just beyond the edge of perception. Letting the hunger and thirst have its way. It slithered closer now. He could sense it.
A dozen rounded stones sat in a clump. Like baking bread. He could almost smell the aroma from his mother’s early morning work. His stomach rumbled.
The presence manifested strong. “So, the heavenly One has declared you to be his Son. ‘If you are who he says you are, tell these stones to become bread.’”
His people before him had grumbled in doubt as to God’s care and provision. They looked back with longing on what had been and refused to look forward on what could be. Every word of the Almighty was flawless. They would not fail him now.
Squinting at the malevolent presence he engaged. “It is written. Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”
“Sssssooo, you want to play with what is written do you?” Parry after parry-the usurper against the author until the challenger left bloodied and bruised.
And still standing, drained to his inner core, the messengers of heaven came to be a shield around the wilderness survivor. To prove that every word as written still stood.
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.
Enjoyed it.
Blessings~