a great cloud of witnesses page 3

a great cloud of witnesses page 3 by ric gustafson


Charlie slowly ran up to the nine mile marker and knew he could not go any farther. His legs hurt, his eyes were really stinging from the heat and he was getting very tired. He saw the water station on the right. He ran up and stopped under the flap. An old man, wearing a faded white robe and carrying a wooden staff, smiled and handed him a cup of water.
" You look thirsty young man".
" I am" Charley tiredly said as he gulped down the water. " Thank you I needed that".
" Your welcome". He smiled at Charlie. " I know what it is like to be in intense heat and not have much to drink".
He stared at the old man. " You sound like Moses in the desert".
He grinned. " That's interesting that you said that". He handed water to another runner. " Because my name is Moses".
" You mean the burning bush Moses".
" That's right Charlie" he said as he gave water to another runner. " I'm here to give you encouragement".
" Encouragement?".
" Yes, to encourage you to run that last three miles and not to give up".
Charlie ran out of that tent with renewed vigor.


Peace and God's blessings. Love Ric