Marian watched, transfixed, as the train roared past. So many people…all with a specific destination.
“What’s my destination?” she mused to herself. “Where am I going?”
She had asked herself this question since her early years, and her mind never hesitated to supply her with hundreds of possibilities. Sometimes she even ventured out to try something new…
And each time, her progress was poisoned by doubt.
Like an angry wolf, her inner doubt stalked her day and night, souring every opportunity, every relationship.
Perhaps one day she would ignore her doubt. Have faith.
But today, she simply watched. And dreamed.
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This week’s Friday Fictioneers challenge was to use the photo prompt above and the standard 100 words to create a piece of fiction.
This story illustrates the life of all those who allow doubt to take root in their hearts. Doubt, which is the opposite of faith, can poison our walk with God, our human relationships, and our every endeavor. May we take the following Scripture passage to heart:
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.”
James 1:5-8
Photo Credit: Dawn Q. Landau
The Artistic Christian 
I hope she finds some faith.
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Me too… it’s such a sad existence as it stands for her right now…
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Aw – I love it!
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Ahh, our destination!
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Loved it. I especially liked that the wolf was a brain construct, souring her opportunities and relationships. We all have these – mine is a talking monkey on the shoulder. I’d prefer a stalking wolf.
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Ha! Now that’s a close one…but I think I might go with the wolf, too!
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John I believe everyone at one time or another struggle with doubt. For years I myself doubted the calling Jesus had put on my life. Today I walk in obedience and by faith trusting Jesus to go before me and I have joy and peace in my life. A great post that spoke to my heart. Thank you for sharing this with me.
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I agree that doubt is something we all grapple with, but your story shows how each of us can overcome this through Christ. Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
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The picture of the train and girl goes hand in hand with your story. Well done.
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Thanks – I appreciate that!
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Dear John Mark,
This hits me where I live.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I think we all have our doubts! The trick is not to be ruled by them…
Best wishes!
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Very thought provoking, John. The character is extremely introspective but also something more. She is constantly reaching out in an effort to find her way in life. Perhaps one day she’ll overcome all the doubts that hold her back. Right now, she seems to be moving forward without knowing where she’ll end up – perhaps a bit like the train track in the photo. Well written story. 🙂
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I like the comparison with the train tracks…thanks, Millie!
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You’ve created a very human character and for that reason she’s appealing – and paradoxically without her introspection she would be less flawed and therefore less real, less appealing.
What I’d wish for her is that she’d accept her doubts as part of who she is and keep going nevertheless.
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Thanks… I’m glad the character came across as being appealing, and not annoying! When we reflect a universal struggle like this, I think it can go either way!
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