Transforming Encounters: The 40-Day Challenge (Luke)Sample

Shadows and persecution on all sides, even from the inside. Skin cracked from the heat, body marred by chains, exhausted, thirsty, in constant agony. The grave seems like an escape, but the silence and darkness of the tombs where he tries to sleep offer no respite. He fears people and people fear him. Endless isolation, a broken soul. He screams inside, - How can he get out of this?!

Suddenly, he feels his vocal cords bursting in a cry that is not his own, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!”

Then he hears a voice like the sound of many waters drowning out everything, commanding “Come out of him!” Suddenly his soul rises. He sees light, feels the warmth of the sun, - and peace, PEACE! Quiet.. No more voices or shadows, rest for his tired body and mind!

Someone lifts him up, clothes him, and feeds him. He sits at the feet of his Savior and listens to every precious word. It is Jesus, the Savior of His soul! How can one repay such love?!

The man has no other desire than to stay with Jesus forever. But Jesus tells him, “return home and declare how much God has done for you.”

A liberated heart has only one desire! To do the will of its Savior, so the man goes away proclaiming the mighty work that the Lord has done for him!

Give all your pain, fears, loneliness, alienation, and every kind of brokenness to Jesus today.