Select one achievable thing on your bucket list and write a story as though you have already achieved it. (500 words max)
Did I Not Say?
by Ray Burton
Shirley lay motionless on her hospice bed surrounded by family and friends who held a respectful silence.
My wondering thoughts were suddenly interrupted, by the voice of the living God. “Your constant prayer and desire, has always been to walk as Jesus walked.”
I hesitantly said, “Yes my Lord” with the voice of my spirit. “You have wanted to live in every way as He did.” “That is correct my Lord. I do”
“You have quoted to me, Matt 10 vs 8 “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.”” “Yes, that is correct my Lord. I have always wanted to live as Jesus did and quoted it often”.
“So now is your time,” he said.
“My time for what?” I asked with that inner knowing what was to come.
Just then Peter broke the silence. “Shirley asked us that if she ever died young and 38 is certainly young, that we would pray for her to be raised from the dead.”
I remember the shift of atmosphere from reverence to fear and doubt. “I will pray” said Peter, “because I promised” he added. “But honestly, I don’t have faith to raise the dead”, he added with humility. “Who will join me, who has the faith?” enquired Peter.
Jesus only did that which the Father showed him to do I thought. “Yes, and I’m showing you what I want you to do,” said the Lord. “The very thing you’ve been asking for, now raise the dead.”
“Anyone?” asked Peter.
I felt a nervousness that I had not anticipated. “Help me Lord” I said aloud without meaning to and drawing everyone’s attention. “I will pray with you” I said. “Thank you,” said a relieved Peter.
Then an unexpected wisdom seemed to fall upon me, “Let’s ask the Lord how to do this,” I said. There were just two nods of approval.
“Show us Lord how to do this. We are totally in your hands. We wait on your word” I said, with a sense of passing over all responsibility.
We waited what seemed like an eternity. Everyone’s eyes were fixed on Shirley.
A greater anointing seemed to come into the room and rest upon us. The peace of the Lord overflowed our hearts. We continued to wait.
The word welled up within me and could not be contained. “Hold hands, look up and worship Me” said the Lord through me.
We did as the Lord commanded. The Holy Spirit immediately taking control causing us to sing in heavenly voices unfamiliar to us. We were so in awe of His presence we briefly forgot where we were and why we were there.
Suddenly, Susan let out a scream and pointed to Shirley. Shirley smiled and said, “Praise the Lord. That was awesome!”
We all broke down with tears and shouts of joy.
“Tick that off your bucket list” said the Lord with a chuckle.