i actually learned something doing my homework

In Fiction class this semester, we're studying great sentences--how to identify components about them that catch our attention or emotion, and hopefully learn how to craft similar ones ourselves. To accomplish this, my professor had the class choose two novels from a list of thirty or so that he deemed to be full of great sentences. We were then to read them with a highlighter in hand, marking anything that moved us or caught our attention.

One of the novels available to choose was "The Hunger Games", a book I've been wanting to read for a long time now (and would only start to read now that the entire trilogy is complete. I hate waiting when I get sucked into a series!).

I devoured the whole thing in two days. Couldn't put it down.

In preparation to discuss some of the great sentences I found with my class tomorrow, I spent the evening looking over what I'd marked. One section in particular caught my attention as it seems that God wanted me to learn something tonight....

In the story, Katniss is on her second day in the arena. She's trying to keep positive and use all the skills and smarts she's acquired during the course of her life to stay alive. She has figured out how to get food and stay safe while sleeping. However, she can't find any water. Dehydration begins to take its toll, and yet she pushes on--certain there has to be water somewhere and that she'll find it if she just keeps going. Finally, the physical fatigue and heat combine to push her to her limit. Overcome by a pounding headache, she can't think clearly enough to act rationally. Her joints hurt. Her body can barely move. Her tongue, dry as sandpaper. She doesn't know how she can go on. Then the thought hits her....Haymitch! He is her coach during the Hunger Games and, able to see her via camera, he has the power to send her water.

Why doesn't he?

Can't he see she's in the depths of despair? Out of ability? Near death's door?

She begins to feel that Haymitch doesn't understand her need. Doesn't care about her. Maybe even hates her or wants to punish her.

And now my thoughts: Though I know my God to be a loving and kind Father, eager to comfort and bless me, I am often afraid of what He asks me to pass through. Often wonder if he notices or cares about the edges he's pushed me to? I wonder why, when He has all ability, He doesn't rescue me?

The answer that came into Katniss's mind became my answer as well...."Maybe he's sending you a message. There's only one reason Haymitch could be withholding water from you. Because he knows you've almost found it."

Have I? Is that what God is telling me by letting me keep struggling in this sea of trials a little longer? Have I, through His grace, almost found my way out, too? Am I not in need of divine rescuing because He who knows all can see that I am close to that water of rest my soul so desperately needs?

Katniss did find her water. She was close after all. I hope I am as well.

I really, really hope.

Who knew you could actually LEARN something doing your homework? :)

I'm going to keep pressing on a little longer. Trusting. Hoping.