An original short story by Jasmine Johnson

One day the Little Girl was walking down the street and saw a line forming outside of a big building made of glass. She wanted to know what was going on, but the line was too long and too thick for her to get close. She saw a nice man in line and tapped him on his shoulder.

“Excuse me sir, why is everyone in line?” the Little Girl asked.

“The Teacher is inside and they say He’s handing out miracles, blessing, and answering prayers.”

“Really? Miracles, blessings, and answered prayers are just what I need,” she said, thinking about all of the outstanding requests she had. “I’ve been reading a lot about the Teacher and I know He can help me. I would really love to meet Him – if I wait in this line, will I get a chance to do that?” the Little Girl asked.

“Well not exactly,” the nice man replied, “this is just the line to receive blessings. You can meet the Teacher, but it’s only for a few moments. If you want to sit down with Him, go around to the front of the line and go inside the building. I hear He’s teaching a class in there.”

“That’s fantastic! I’ve always wanted to meet Him face to face and if I can sit down with Him, that’s even better,” the Little Girl exclaimed.

She started to walk around the line and then paused for a moment. She turned around and looked back at the nice man who was waiting in line with his wife who, from this angle, the Little Girl could see was sick.

“Sir, don’t you want to meet the Teacher too?”

“Oh, no,” the nice man said shaking his head, “I just need to get a miracle for my wife and I’ll be on my way. I’m really busy, so maybe next time.” He smiled at the Little Girl and the Little Girl walked away.

The Little Girl made her way through the crowd right up to the big glass building. She opened the large glass doors and headed down a long hallway leading to a single door with a small window. She stood on her tiptoes and peered inside. On the other side of the door was a small classroom filled with people that were listening intently to the Teacher. Outside the large glass windows that lined the hallway, she could see that the line of people waiting for blessings, miracles, and answered prayers wrapped around the corner. She wondered why the classroom still had empty seats. Didn’t they want to sit down and listen to what the Teacher was saying?

There was a note on the door that instructed everyone to write down their requests before the room. The Little Girl sat down on the floor and pulled out her notebook and a pen. She didn’t have to think hard about what she needed because her needs were both great and urgent. She used her best writing and carefully wrote down her list of requests. Some fell under the heading “Problems I Can’t Solve,” others under the heading “Blessings,” and finally a short list of “Miracles.” She reviewed her list and she stood up, gathered her things, and opened the door.

The Teacher stopped talking and turned around to face her. “Welcome,” He said with a smile a million times nicer than the nice man’s she’d met in line, “I’m so glad you could join us. Please, leave your requests on the table by the door and come have a seat.”

The Little Girl looked to her right and saw on the table beside her a stack of papers with headings similar to hers. She placed her list on top of the others and looked for a place to sit.

She found an empty desk in the fourth row and sat down. Her stomach was fluttering with butterflies and she tried to contain her excitement. The Little Girl had been waiting a long time to meet the Teacher and receive His blessings.

“Little Girl,” the Teacher said, “I’m here to tell you all about My Father. When I’m done, each one of you will get exactly what you came here for. I’m so happy that you all decided to come inside because I have a special story to share.”

While the teacher was talking, there was a knock that didn’t come from the door the Little Girl entered through. It was a different door that looked more like a closet. The Teacher got up and opened the door and the Little Girl could see that this door is where the line outside was leading.

“Can I help you?” the Teacher asked.

“Yes,” the woman who had been knocking replied, “I need a blessing.”

The Teacher didn’t wait for her say anymore. He immediately reached into His pocket and pulled out a blessing. Judging by the look on her face, the Little Girl figured it was just what the woman wanted. She walked away smiling, holding her blessing tightly to her chest. From inside the classroom the Little Girl could see that the streets were full of people walking away smiling, holding their blessings tightly to their chests. She became even more excited just thinking about what the Teacher could do for her.

The Teacher sat back down and began speaking. His voice was calm and assuring, pleasant and kind. It was odd, but simply being in His presence gave the Little Girl a sense of peace.

While He was speaking the people continued to knock on the door. Time and time again, the Teacher reached into His pocket and handed out blessings. The Little Girl looked around and saw that some people in the classroom were starting to get anxious.

Then the man sitting next to the Little Girl raised his hand.

“Um, excuse me but when are you going to give us our blessings? I came here because I needed help. While we’re in here listening to you talk, other people are getting their blessings and going on their way,” the man said indignantly.

“Please don’t be impatient,” the Teacher lovingly replied. “I know you want your blessings and I will give you exactly what you came here for. But I have so much more in store if you would just hear and believe.”

This wasn’t the answer the man wanted so he got up and headed to the door, picking up his list of requests on his way out of the classroom. A few other people who apparently felt the same way followed his lead. Like the indignant man, they took their requests and left the classroom with disappointment on each of their faces.

Nevertheless, the Teacher continued sharing more wonderful things about the Father. The Little Girl loved what she was hearing, but she too was getting antsy. After all, her requests were both great and urgent. She looked out the windows and longed to be enjoying the blessings like the others. But she stayed in her seat because she didn’t want to leave without getting what she came for.

A few more people got up to leave and each time, the Teacher’s face fell.

In spite of all the interruptions, the Teacher continued to speak to those remaining in soft loving tones. He shared stories of love, hope, grace and mercy. He revealed the Plan of Salvation and explained that they, the Little Girl and the others in the classroom, were being offered the greatest gift.

“How can I receive the greatest gift Teacher?” the Little Girl asked.

“Believe, trust, and obey.” He answered.

Just then, someone knocked on the door and the Teacher handed out yet another blessing. It was the very blessing that topped the Little Girl’s list. Now, it was her face that fell.

“Teacher,” the Little Girl asked, voice quivering with concern, “if you’re giving away all of our blessings to everyone in line, how will you be able to answer our prayers?”

“My arm is long Little Girl and I will never run out of goodness,” the Teacher said. Still, the Little Girl was not satisfied.

“Teacher, I have needs and desires that are great and urgent. While I sit here with you, others come and go, simply knocking on the door receiving. Meanwhile, my list still sits over on that table ignored,” the Little Girl whined.

“Don’t be anxious Little Girl or begin to doubt because you have not yet received. What I’m sharing with you now is greater than all of those blessings combined. I promised you that those who trust in Me would not be put to shame. You can trust Me. Please, just trust Me,” He implored. “Little Girl, why don’t you move up to the front row? I want you to be closer to Me.”

Thinking that she was in some sort of trouble for speaking out, the Little Girl picked up her backpack and moved closer to the Teacher. She sat in the empty seat directly in front of Him. She had to concentrate even harder now because in this seat she could clearly see what was going on outside. Just behind the Teacher, she watched others come and go, blessed and happy.

The Teacher continued on with His story about the greatest gift. He talked about a place where there would be no sadness, tears, or death. He spoke about the great love the Father had for His children and how He was ready for them to come home.

The Little Girl’s heart was filled with hope listening to the stories about the greatest gift, the goodness of the Father, and the sacrifice of the Son. She couldn’t imagine doing anything else to hurt the Father or His Son and was sorry for doubting their care for her case.

“Teacher, I’m sorry for hurting you before. When I came into this class I wanted your blessings, but now that I’m here, I want your forgiveness,” she said, her shoulders hung low in remorse.

The Teacher got up from His seat and came over to her desk. He knelt down beside her and took her hand in His.

“Little Girl, you were forgiven the moment you walked through the door. I love you so much. So much in fact, I died so that you could be forgiven and receive the greatest gift,” He said. She looked into His eyes and all at once saw sorrow, rejection, humiliation, victory, love, and mercy.

The Little girl suddenly noticed that she was the only one left in the classroom.

“Where did everyone go?” the Little Girl asked.

The Teacher sighed deeply, “They let go.”

The Little Girl understood how they felt, but wished they hadn’t left.

“The gift I am offering is greater than the blessings everyone has been waiting in line for. This gift, Little Girl, is everlasting. I’m offering the gift of eternal life.”

The Little Girl was fascinated. What kind of Teacher was this? Even the Little Girl’s favorite teacher in school sometimes had bad days and made the class do extra homework just because she felt like it.

“Are you saying that You’re offering the greatest gift to me? I mean, I didn’t do anything to deserve it. In fact, I wasn’t exactly nice to you a few minutes ago,” she said wondering if the Teacher had already forgotten her little outburst. Her favorite teacher never forgot her outbursts and the Little Girl frequently had her name written on the board as a reminder of her bad behavior.

“I’ve already forgotten it,” He said and the Little Girl could tell He meant it.

“What do I need to do?” the Little Girl asked.

“I’ve already told you. Believe, trust, and obey,” He said.

“Teacher? I really am sorry about my behavior. I was being impatient and I apologize,” the Little Girl said.

“I know it seems punishment having to sit and wait to receive your blessing, but the truth is you’re already blessed. You came with nothing and wanted to get to know Me. That alone brings much joy to My heart I can’t help but smile when I look at you. You listened and took My words into your heart. Little Girl, you’re building a foundation that will endure the trials that are coming,” the Teacher, in His love for the Little Girl, didn’t mind reasoning with her.

The Little Girl couldn’t understand how just sitting and listening to the Teacher could do all that He said.

“Teacher, why did those other people leave?” the Little Girl wanted to know.

“Well, some left because they didn’t believe I would do what I promised. Others left because they didn’t believe I could. The rest were simply impatient,” the Teacher replied. “Their faith only endured until they got tired of waiting.”

“Can I ask you another question?”

The Teacher laughed, “You’re full of questions, aren’t you? Yes, what is it?”

The Little Girl blushed, “I know I ask a lot of questions. I’m kinda known for being curious,” she giggled. “How come you didn’t make the people in line wait for their blessings?”

“Because I want them to come back. Some of the people in line aren’t going to be in the Kingdom and will only receive their reward here. Others don’t know Me at all and only call My name when they need a miracle. I don’t close my door to anyone, but soon I will not answer when they call. While I’m here teaching the class, I’m hoping that a few that I’ve blessed will come back to sit down with me so I can offer them the greatest gift.”

The Little Girl still had one more question, but because the Teacher already knew what she was thinking, he answered before she spoke.

“It seems a little unfair, doesn’t it? You’re denied because you came in here to sit down with me while others, who haven’t gotten to know me have all, have their prayers answered immediately,” the Teacher said.

“Well, I didn’t want to say it, but yes. That is how it seems,” the Little Girl was ashamed for even thinking that the Teacher was unfair.

“Little Girl, do you know what faith is?” He asked.

“I think so. Having faith means you believe in something that you can’t see,” the Little Girl didn’t know there was going to be a pop quiz. She was glad she’d studied.

“Yes, but there is more to it than that; faith is active. You may believe, but will you still stand firm when the enemy tries his best efforts to get you to doubt Me? Will you, in spite of your circumstances, believe that I will come through for you? Faith is holding on even when you don’t have hope. When the enemy comes along and uses every trick in the book, faith means you’ll stand on My word. Having faith means you persevere until you overcome. I allowed you to endure Little Girl because I wanted to strengthen your faith. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing1.”

The Little Girl listened closely and tried to memorize every word that came from the Teacher’s mouth.

“For every minute you sat in here, your faith increased and so will your blessings. Speaking of, you came here because wanted to receive My blessings, didn’t you?’ the Teacher asked.

The Little Girl had been so lost in His teaching that she’d forgotten about her list. Somehow the things she needed, though still great, were no longer so urgent.

“I’m happy just being with you.” The Little Girl was surprised she actually meant what she said.

“I’m so glad to hear that, but I know you came here because you wanted to see My glory. Tell me what it is you need so I can do it for you,” He replied with His million dollar smile.

The Little Girl got up from her desk and went to get her list of requests. She sat down and handed the list over to the Teacher.

He took a moment to look at the Little Girl’s list and began to laugh to himself. “Little Girl, is this all you need?”

“Well, I guess so,” she said shrugging her shoulders.

“These are no problem at all,” and He reached in His pocket and pulled out blessing after blessing, each one better than the one before. The Little Girl was awestruck in how closely He’d paid attention to her prayers. It was as if each blessing was tailor made just for her.

“Is there anything else you need?” the Teacher asked.

“No, this is already so much more than I could have even expected or imagined,” she said sincerely.

He looked into her eyes and she knew he could see her deepest desire.

“Please, tell me what it is you need me to do,” the Teacher asked again.

“There is something else, but others have told me that I shouldn’t bother asking because I’d be wasting my prayers. They say hope is gone so I should just give up. They say miracles like this just don’t happen.” The Little Girl’s eyes filled with tears.

“Little Girl,” the Teacher said, His tone firm, “what did I tell you?”

“You said that if I remain in You and You remain in me, I could ask whatever I wish and it would be given to me2.”

“What else?” he asked.

“I should not doubt and believe that I will receive what I ask for in prayer3.”

“And what does My word say about what is impossible with men?”

“That all things are possible with God4,” she responded, tears streaming down her face.

“People will give their opinions about Me, but all you need to do is go back to My word and remind yourself of My promises. People receive not because they ask not, while others resign to defeat not realizing that I’ve already overcome the world. Your faith will be tested, yes, but My word is sure. If you hold on you will see My glory. That’s a promise.”

With that, the Teacher reached in His pocket and pulled out the Little Girl’s deepest desire.

The Little Girl stared at her blessing not knowing what to do next. So she did the only thing she could think of, and that was to kneel down at the Teacher’s feet and thank Him for His grace.

“Can you do something for me Little Girl,” the Teacher asked.

“Anything,” the Little Girl said, lifting her head to look in the Teacher’s eyes.

“Did you notice how each time I gave out a blessing, the person walked away holding on to it tightly?”

“Yes,” she said remembering how each person walked away with a smile on their face clutching on to the blessings for dear life. Some even hid them under their coats.

“Don’t hold onto it - share it with others. I bless you not just for your benefit, but so that others will be blessed too. I want your life to reflect My goodness and point people to Me and the good things to come in the Kingdom. If you tell the world what I’ve done for you, you’ll help to spread the news. Maybe someone will want to get to know Me because of what they’ve seen Me do for you,” the Teacher explained.

“I’d love that. I want to tell the world the wonderful things you shared with me today. I can’t believe more people don’t already know. I mean, you were sitting here in this classroom this whole time! Any one of them could have the things you’ve given me, right?”

“You’re absolutely right. It breaks My heart that more people won’t give Me their time, but I’m not sorry I came because you alone were worth the sacrifice.”

This was more than she could stand. The Little Girl’s heart felt like it was going to burst right out of her chest. She jumped up and ran over to the Teacher throwing her arms around his waist. He wrapped His arms around her and held onto her firmly. He was crying too.

“Come now, it’s time for you to go,” He said, gently pulling away. “You have work to do. Go and tell everyone about what you heard here today.”

The Little Girl wiped her eyes. “Teacher, I don’t want to leave you,” she said, heartbroken at the thought.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be back and we’ll go home for good,” He smiled and helped her get her things together.

The Little Girl began to walk towards the door, loaded down with blessings that exceeded her expectations. As she thought about how much more awaited her in the Kingdom, she stopped and turned around. The Teacher was busy writing something down.

“Jesus?” she said.

“Yes Little Girl,” He replied.

“When will you come back for me?”

“Soon,” He said.

“You won’t forget about me, will you?” she asked.

“I won’t forget you. I know your name and I’ve even written it down in My book. Come see.”

The Little Girl walked over to the desk and saw that the book was called “Life” and the page He had opened to had a list of names. He pointed to the last name on the page and she saw that in His beautiful handwriting, it said: “Little Girl.”



Footnotes
1. James 1:4
2. John 15:7
3. Mark 11:24
4. Matthew 19:26


WGA Registration Number: 1165305
Copyright November 7, 2006