Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: How to be Saved (07/02/26)
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TITLE: In the Nick of Time | Previous Challenge Entry
By LINDA GERMAIN
07/08/26 -
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His favorite assignment was teaching basic safety precautions everyone needs to know. The most requested course was tips on how to survive a kidnapping.
Most of his students would never be in that dire situation, but still, they were fascinated with every detail. His first admonition was to be sure family or friends knew your destination. Next was to be extra observant, even about small noises or smells, and then proceed with caution to attract attention for help.
Today, Captain Nick, as his loud, exuberant younger brother called him, would be put to the test.
**
As consciousness crept back after a sneaky ambush and nasty whack on his head, he detected car exhaust fumes in the cramped, smelly trunk. He knew his gun would be gone and concentrated on searching for a weapon. Hopefully, a forgotten tire iron was somewhere in his space.
As his rolling prison sped over bumpy roads and potholes, the experienced and decorated policeman tried to wriggle out of the cords around his hands and feet to do the one thing he taught others—knock out the brake light cover.
The more he struggled, the weaker he felt as something warm oozed down the side of his face. He slipped back into a semi-conscious state with a million thoughts running rampant in his injured head.
The fact that this probably would not end well triggered memories of his mother’s warnings over the years to make his peace with God before it was too late. He firmly dissuaded further conversation on the subject.
“I’m sorry, Mom, but I’m a realist and don’t have time for that kind of crutch-talk. Gotta get back to work. The public awaits!”
He had hugged her and pretended he did not see the tears of heartbreak.
Now, unable to move, bleeding, and fading in and out of a sound mind, he realized he could be at the end of his heroic life and was desperately sorry he had not listened to her wisdom.
She had tried to tell him about prayer, but he wasn’t sure how to do that. He wracked his compromised brain for clues about belief, faith, and eternity in Heaven. He finally realized that ignoring her had been the biggest mistake of his life.
What was in that little pamphlet she had sent to him?
He remembered that it was something about a sovereign God, asking for His forgiveness, repenting, and about praying through His Son, Jesus Christ.
The vehicle slowed and turned onto what seemed to be a gravel road. He heard two of the doors slam, a lot of crunching sounds around the area, and then dead silence, except for an ominous ticking. The unmistakable odor of gasoline permeated the air.
In a while--he had no idea how long--pounding rain on the trunk leaked through a rusted hole onto his head. The helpless crying he heard was his.
“Oh, Lord! I am so sorry I did not listen, but this could be my last day on earth, and I have no idea what to do. I KNOW you’re real because my mama never lied. Please forgive me for not accepting the truth. It was an insult to both of you.”
Then, he heard footsteps approaching over the gravel. Oh, no! Had they forgotten something?
His time was running out as he struggled to speak to his Creator.
“Dear God, have mercy! I do believe Jesus is your son and that he died to save me. I repent of my sins, especially ignoring my mother when she tried to guide me to You.”
Just as he finished the last word, he felt the rope around his wrists had loosened, and he was able to untether his feet as well. He felt around but could find no makeshift weapon. The footsteps stopped, and someone began jiggling the lock.
He whispered, “Thank you, Lord, for showing me how much I need You. Whatever happens, I’m ready to go.”
That’s when he passed out.
When he opened his eyes, he saw a bright light and heard the murmur of soft voices. Was he in Heaven?
Suddenly, with great joy, he recognized a familiar booming voice.
“Hey, Doc, my tough brother is finally awake!”
_____
Revelation 3:3 (NIV)
Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.
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