Pick Up A Stone

There are seasons in life where we face unexpected challenges. These times can be long, hard and can weary you. In moments when things seem overwhelming it can feel unfair that we are facing such things especially when they linger. The enemy would like these times to discourage and embitter us. He likes to present them as coming from “nowhere” in hopes that it will rock our faith but Jesus himself told us;

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.””

‭‭John‬ ‭16‬:‭33‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

So we are not powerless in these times nor do they dictate our lives. Jesus has already overcome them! He is with us always! Even in the midst of hard times He is working for our good. So how do we endure such times? First, fight on the right battlefield, these challenges are always a spiritual battle first and foremost. I have found myself having to remind myself often of this as I battle cancer.

It would be easy to focus on the physical challenges I face daily and let them set my perspective but I remind myself of His words! He said He has overcome! That means He has already won my victory! He decides my destiny not cancer or anything we may face in this life.

So first renew your mind with the Word of God. The second step I find in the book of Joshua.

“And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: “Take for yourselves twelve men from the people, one man from every tribe, and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here, out of the midst of the Jordan, from the place where the priests’ feet stood firm. You shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you lodge tonight.’ ” Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had appointed from the children of Israel, one man from every tribe; and Joshua said to them: “Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, ‘What do these stones mean to you?’ Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.””

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

There are several key messages in this small passage. First they had to move forward, stepping into the Jordan. They couldn’t pitch a tent on the riverbank and wait to see what happened. They had to listen and obey what God was saying. As they crossed the river, which I am sure was challenging enough, they had to pick up a large stone and put it on their shoulder. Once they made it to the other side they were to build an altar at their campsite as a reminder of what the Lord said and did on their behalf. It was to serve as a reminder for generations to come that God is always with us.

Sometimes trials make it seem that nothing good can come from what we face and endure but God’s very nature is to redeem. If we allow Him to guide us through the river, even if we are instructed to pick up a rock thus making it harder, He will see us through to the other shore. The very stone that weighed us down will become the foundation of an altar that will bring others to Him.

When I look at my current challenges in this light I am willing to pick up a stone! If it will reveal His love to others it is well worth the effort!