Stalked by Fear, Part II
As I strolled down life’s bright path, warmed by the radiant optimism in the air, my foot landed upon a yellowed page with a soft crunch. Overtaken by curiosity, I unraveled the old paper and realized it was a letter.
As it turned out, it was the saddest letter I had ever read:
“Dear God:
I want to be a good Christian – I’ve tried hard to please You. But no matter what I do, I can’t seem to stop feeling discouraged – can’t seem to stop falling into the same old temptations over and over again. I’ve begun to think there’s no hope for me.
So I give up. I can’t seem to get this right – so why try? Maybe this just isn’t for me.”
I frantically searched for a signature, but there was none. I had to find this distressed soul, had to tell them not to lose heart! That there is no such thing as a “perfect Christian” this side of Heaven… that every one of us struggle with despair, temptation, and that old adversary – fear – every single day. But that Jesus also faced these things, and understands what we’re going through. That we can tell him about our struggles, and that He has promised to help us shoulder the load.
“Don’t give up!” I shout into the bitter wind, desperate to be heard. But it’s no use. This soul is lost, has chosen to go their own way… and they’re no longer listening.
A familiar chuckle stops me dead in my tracks. I glance across the street to see a dark figure removing the Mask of Discouragement… and find myself staring into the foul grin of Fear – my old nemesis.
He throws his head back and laughs, reveling in the fact that he has claimed another life. I clench the letter in my fist, narrowing my eyes. He won’t win again… not if I can help it.
“Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31
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Writing 101 Day 5 Challenge: You stumble upon a random letter on the path. You read it. It affects you deeply, and you wish it could be returned to the person to which it’s addressed. Write a story about this encounter.
The Artistic Christian 
Very creative! Good job!
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Thanks! Trying to keep up with the Writing 101 challenges while also staying true to the theme of my blog has stretched me, but it’s been fun!
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Thought provoking. As a recovering control freak, reading this caused me to think, for the billionth time, about how much control I really have (or lack). There is a reason I find myself in situations where I feel it is imperative that a do something to “fix” it only to come to the hard realization that there is nothing I can do but call on the Lord and know that He has it under control.
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Thanks, and as another member of “Control Freaks Anonymous,” I know exactly what you mean! Thanks for stopping by!
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Creative and inspiring! I like how you are managing to complete both the regular “assignments” and the twists as we move forward into June. 🙂
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It’s starting to get kind of complicated, but I have to keep reminding myself that I did sign up for a writing class – ha!
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Trust me! I understand. I still can’t fathom why I decided to do the Writing 101. Even though my children are gone all of June and Jon’s girls are in and out, it seems like I am busier than ever.
Continue the writing. You are extremely good, as well as inspiring. Happy Sunday!
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I really enjoy reading your work. Thank you!! 🙂
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