CHAPTER THIRTEEN
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.--- THE BIBLE, PSALM 37:23-24.
School resumed and the day came closer for the submission of her story- the written competition. She sat with Mr Ben many times to plan the story who was determined to leave no stone unturned. He personally supervised the editing before she submitted.
Days later after submission, she sat in the class looking at a borrowed magazine when news came that the principal wanted to see her.
It could only be one thing- Mrs Haniel had heard of the fight. Well, she was bound to hear sooner or later, the girls never hid anything from her.
Helen stood up and in few minutes she sat in front of the stern woman who said the words that pierced her heart.
"The Scholarship has been withdrawn"
Withdrawn? It can't be.
"Please ma"
"Don't utter a word, you have just 30 minutes to exit this premises"
Helen looked at her face and saw that she meant every word. It was useless arguing with her.
She moved out like one who was lost. She didn't say a word to anyone as she packed her bag and walked down the hall to clear her locker.
She sat down in the bus on the way home looking out of the windows. She caught sight of an old woman and thought of Mama Leratho, remembered the mountains and sighed.
"Why are you home early?" Aunty Eva threw the question as soon as she entered.
"Mrs Haniel told me to leave"
"What?"
"You're surprised right? It's like a shock. I can't believe the woman hates me that much" Helen replied sitting down heavily.
"The question is why?"
"I bet Mina ran to her about the fight"
"And that's why she asked you to leave? Is she going nuts or something? What did she do to her daughter?"
"Aunty Eva, you're not asking me that question alright. You of all persons know she wouldn't even take a strand of her hair"
"Is Chris aware about this?"
"I don't think any decision will be taken without that man being informed"
"I guess we have to fix you up somewhere, but I need a few weeks."
"What of the competition?"
"Forget it, okay. That's not all about life"
Helen didn't reply but just kept on staring at her mother's picture on the wall.
"You left so early mum" she whispered.
"Work resumes at three, are you coming?" Aunty Eva asked.
"Coming" Helen replied and stood up to change her clothes.
******
Working at Hills Chicken and Snacks bar for the next three weeks taught her everything she needed to know about chicken recipes.
The manager was a very nice man and was glad to allow Helen join his workers. She was eager to learn everything and she learnt every possible recipe.
She found joy in serving the customers and having them call for order. She ran errands and did her new job with dedication and humility.
Mr Ben visited and said he would offer some help by seeing the principal but all his plea fell on deaf ears.
"If you talk about that girl anymore, you will lose your job!" The woman threatened and Mr Ben hurried out.
He returned to inform a sad Helen about the news. It pained him that Helen would have to miss the competition, he left praying for a miracle. He wondered if the story would even win the first three places.
He decided to forget it, maybe God was working on something, who knows.
*******
"You can be the best if you rely on God to help you through every step of the way" Helen recalled the words of her teacher.
Mr Ben visited less frequently these days and she knew he had forgotten about the competition.
As she packaged the food for the customers, she kept remembering the words he told her, she missed his teachings, school, Brett and everyone.
Brett was the only one that didn't call since she came home. She wondered where all the love went to.
She was done for the day and she went to change her dress when she noticed that someone had left a Pamphlet. She turned and started changing but as she was about to go out. She felt drawn to the piece of paper. She wondered what was in it. She picked it up and read the caption.
"TRUST IN ME"
She knew immediately that it was a gospel article. But she decided to read it anyway.
Sometimes, things in life may not look exactly the way you want them to be, you have to trust your father because he knows everything about you and has the perfect thoughts for you.
What is Trust?
Trust is leaning totally on a person, believing the person to be in charge of something with great value.
Dear Believer, what do you value so much that's bigger than God. Nothing! Absolutely Nothing! Even your precious life! So why won't you trust him to take charge of your life.
She read and decided she would continue reading on the bus ride home.
"What's that in your hand?" Aunty Eva asked as she came out.
"Something interesting" She replied as they ran to catch up with the bus.
They entered panting. She sat and continued reading
God is with you wherever you go. Never fear! Don't be troubled. He lives in you. Just put absolute trust in him.
Hebrews 13 vs 5-6 says I will not in anyway fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support. [I will] not, [I will] not, [I will] not in any degree leave you helpless nor forsake you nor let [you]down(relax My hold on you)! [Assuredly not!]"
You're surrounded by God's hedge of protection, including everything that concerns you. Your life matters to God and everything you do matters to him.
You're his child. His most prized possession, that's why he sent his son to die on the cross for you.
He loves you immensely. He cherishes and adores you. He has plans to give you an expected end. He knows all your needs before you decide to ask and he is ready to answer all your prayers.
Do you believe in him and have decided to let him be your lord and personal saviour. Every of God's blessing comes with that. If you're ready to do that, say this prayer;
O Lord God, I believe with all my heart in Jesus Christ, Son of the living God. I believe He died for me and God raised him from the dead. I confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Lord of my life from this day. I have eternal life; I am born again. Thank you Lord. I am now your child. Thank you for saving my soul. Hallelujah!
If you want to go ahead and receive the gift of the HolySpirit, just ask the Lord with this words in faith;
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of the HolySpirit. Thank you because right now, I receive him by faith to come and dwell in me. I am filled with the HolySpirit and according to your word, I speak in tongues as He gives me utterance. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Helen knew she was a born again Christian but she didn't trust the validity of that, so immediately she got home, she knelt down to say the prayer one last time. Afterwards she asked for the gift of the HolySpirit, she looked at the pamphlet and with faith, she opened her mouth and began to speak in other tongues.