4

Lisa jumped with a start as she heard her name.

She turned around but no one was in sight. The windows were slamming against each other as the rain began to pour down. She snuggled under the thin sheets but was immediately woken up by the familiar voice. In a flash, she remembered the story of Samuel and how God called him in the night time. She heaved a sigh, knowing it was totally ridiculous for God to be calling her name. He had nothing to do with her-neither did she.

She slept back for a few more minutes, shivering from the cold of the dark cell.

“Lisa.” The voice was gentle, yet firm.

“You are right where I needed you to be. Finally, you can hear me speak.” The voice continued.

She sat up, a little scared.

“Who are you?” Her voice was a mere whisper.

“I am who you say I am.” The voice replied.

She knew without doubt who it was. There had been times she heard the voice back when she still believed in its existence.

“Why did you watch them die when they loved you so much? Why didn’t you stop me from getting hurt and imprisoned?” The questions came flooding in, breaking banks.

The silence followed.

“There you go again. Bailing out from the mess you’ve put me through.” She griped.

Immediately, she was drawn to the Bible she had barely noticed on the stool at the right corner of the cell. Reluctantly, she picked it up and flipped through the soft leaflets. Finally stopping at where the book marker was. She took a deep breath as she began to read the chapter.

Why do you confuse the issue? Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about? Where were you when I created the earth? Tell me, since you know so much! Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that! Who came up with the blueprints and measurements? 

How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, while the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise? And who took charge of the ocean when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb? That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds, and tucked it in safely at night. Then I made a playpen for it, a strong playpen so it couldn’t run loose, And said, ‘Stay here, this is your place. Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.’ 

“And have you ever ordered Morning, ‘Get up!’ told Dawn, ‘Get to work!’ So you could seize Earth like a blanket and shake out the wicked like cockroaches? As the sun brings everything to light, brings out all the colors and shapes; the cover of darkness is snatched from the wicked – they’re caught in the very act! 

“Have you ever gotten to the true bottom of things, explored the labyrinthine caves of deep ocean? Do you know the first thing about death? Do you have one clue regarding death’s dark mysteries? And do you have any idea how large this earth is? Speak up if you have even the beginning of an answer. 

Do you know where Light comes from and where Darkness lives; So you can take them by the hand and lead them home when they get lost? Why, of course you know that. You’ve known them all your life, grown up in the same neighborhood with them!

Word after word, line after line, question after question. Lisa’s eyes remained glued on the words that flew out of the book. Awestruck. Tears began to flow as she read on from chapter to chapter.

“Now what do you have to say for yourself? Are you going to haul me, the Mighty One, into court and press charges?” I have some more questions for you, and I want straight answers. Do you presume to tell me what I’m doing wrong? Are you calling me a sinner so you can be a saint? Do you have an arm like my arm? Can you shout in thunder the way I can? Go ahead, show your stuff. Let’s see what you’re made of, what you can do. Unleash your outrage. Target the arrogant and lay them flat. Target the arrogant and bring them to their knees. Stop the wicked in their tracks – make mincemeat of them!

Lisa imploded, falling to her knees, sobbing hysterically. She began to recall details she had neglected as a result of her myopic vision. She remembered the unusual menstrual cramps she had the day she was to travel with her parents. She remembered how she had reacted foolishly by blaming God for the reckless oil tanker  driver that had swerved to the curb where her parents were as against having a head on collision with a School bus full of kids on the next lane. The anger she had held for so long against God began to thaw as ice.

“I’m sorry – so sorry Lord” She kept saying in between sobs.

Her body vibrated as though a defibrillator had been used on her chest, sending shock waves through her veins. Jolted. Her Spirit came alive, as though it had been dead. “Forgive me Lord” She cried from her Spirit in total repentance. Words could no longer come out of her mouth as her lips only opened and closed.

“I have long forgiven you” The voice reassured.

She felt an overwhelming sense of peace wrapping its warm hands around her like a blanket. She couldn’t remember when last she felt this safe. Cozied in the Father’s arms, she slept like a baby.

---

Two months later…

The criminals had been arrested and Lisa was exonerated with all charges dropped. She had returned back to church with a new sense of belonging.

In no time, she had turned her family home into an orphanage home which she called the “HOME FOR THE FORSAKEN”.

With every new life she saved, she felt more fulfilled than ever.

 (Excerpts from Job 38-41, MSG version in bold italics)

For further reading; Job 38-41 and Psalm 27

 Mfon Etuk, 2015