Hey, Everyone!
This is a very different venue for me. I've written story/poems once or twice before but have never been brave enough to post one. Well, this one is so unique for me, that I thought I'd like to have your input on what you think of it. I'll appreciate your help!
OUT OF THE MUD BOG
Each day I begin with a time of prayer,
And I try to spend time in His word everyday.
But today I felt uneasy about things,
So I got down on my knees to pray.
God told me I needed a new pair of boots!
I was confused but I asked no questions of Him.
He told me just where to go to get those boots,
Just the type I’d need, so my work could begin.
He took me to a regular store,
But it was one that I’d never seen.
I went inside to look around,
And I wondered if I was having a dream.
But I quickly discovered that it was not that,
As I heard God’s Voice once more.
He told me to look fast because there wasn’t much time.
So I got a basket and started the tour.
Remembering that I should start everything with prayer,
I stopped to pray right where I stood.
In my prayer I asked for forgiveness and help,
Lord, I am ready now…..So, please help me do what I should.
Sometimes the act of obedience is what our test is,
More than the thing that God sent you to do.
He needs to know if He can trust us,
If He has a job for us, will He be able to use ME or YOU?
This was not the kind of place you go to find,
A variety of different types of boots.
It was, however, quite interesting and unique,
Because it had a little bit of everything you’d use.
As I looked around I finally saw the section,
That God had sent me to see.
But in this place there were only two types of boots.
I was confused but God, again, spoke to me.
He said, "Fair Child, you have a choice to make!
Which pair of boots is the right one for you?
Do you want the boots that hurt your feet but look good?
Their only purpose is to hurt & look good, in everything you do."
"The things that this world tells you are fulfilling in life,
Are the things that will actually lead you astray.
You’ve asked Me to show you how to serve Me your best.
So, listen to My Voice and always do what I say."
Now the next thing He said was to check the other pair.
They were not fashionable or handsome leather, but of a more sturdy type.
They were not fancy to look at or anything special.
But looked durable and if they got nasty, you'd have no cause to gripe.
They were a work boot that really could help me,
With any type of real work that I might need to do.
God said, “The choice is yours, so study to be wise.
The HOLY SPIRIT, is right there with you."
Sometimes a Christian finds himself stuck up to his neck,
In predicaments because we don’t understand.
But if you listen to God’s promptings, you’ll have the proper tools,
To get out of the mud bogs and back up on solid ground.
Always listen to the instructions God gives you,
For any job He has assigned just for you.
You see, He teaches us in so many ways,
And, today, I’ve already learned something new.
I bought those boots because there was a lesson for me.
The choice I made I would never regret.
And when I looked at those boots, they were just my size,
Which is also something I’ll never forget.
When God asks you to prepare the Way,
It is because He is trusting you with something to do.
And He wants us to be ready to do what He asks,
Or the Mud Bog will not let you get through.
I didn’t notice the rain outside,
As I’d been in that unfamiliar store.
But it was pouring and I thought I had purchased these boots
Just in time, but still, I had no idea what for??
A Voice spoke to me and said, “Put the Boots on NOW,”
And get out there because there is trouble ahead!"
So, I jumped into my truck knowing not where to go,
But I sped off anyway, just as He said.
Just down the road I saw the school bus in Blackberry Creek,
And the water was really flowing fast.
I got the chain out and I waded through the water.
My feet stayed dry and helped me reach the bus at last.
The boots helped me get a grip in the rushing water,
And I felt God’s strength pushing me along.
Soon I was able to attach the chain to that school bus,
And the children prayed as God helped me get them safely back on the road where they belonged.
Inside the bus, there were many children who were happy,
As they realized that it was God who had prepared the Way.
Everyone clapped as I went inside the bus to see them.
It was an adventure that would be heard many times into future days.
The next week I was invited to come tell the story,
To the children at the school and how God saved their lives.
I showed them those boots and we said a prayer of thanks,
And I was not the only one with tears in my eyes.
What if I had not listened to God speaking that morning?
Would it have still turned out just the same way?
I don’t think it would have because God had chosen me,
To be the one that He trusted to do the rescue that day.
There is just one more thing that I want to share,
Because I’ll never understand how this ever could be.
But when I went back to that store to thank those storekeepers,
For having those boots that were right there waiting for me,
I drove around and around until I finally gave up.
And there wasn't one living soul nor a store to be found.
I know in my heart that God made it all just for that day,
So that our children’s feet could be returned to solid ground.
When God speaks to you, be careful to listen,
Because there may be a great lesson that is meant only for you.
Go straight to the task even if you don’t understand it,
If you listen to God, He will carry you though.
As old Grandpa Wiggins walked away from the school house,
He whispered a prayer and He thanked God for that day,
That he was the one that was sent to that heavenly store,
And for the "special" boots that helped him save the children that way.
The mud bogs of life wont be able to hurt you.
If you trust in God, He’ll keep you safe, too.
You will never lose if your faith and trust don't fail you.
Just remember to pray that you'll choose the right boots.
Written by Karen Bunker
(c) May 10, 2012
