Grab a Rock & Carry On

“That this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean ye by these stones?”

Joshua 4:6

I hope this post finds you having a wonderful day, evening, or whatever it happens to be when you visit.

While reading about the life of Joshua today, I came to the familiar story, in chapter 4, of the crossing of the River Jordan where the people followed behind the Ark of the Covenant - on dry ground. A little bit of inspiration hit me and I just had to share this nugget before I let it slip into oblivion without writing it down. (I remember stuff better when I write it down.)

We all know the Ark of the Covenant represents God’s presence. Right? God told Joshua to have the priests go across first with this piece of Holy furniture. They obeyed.

I was immediately reminded that before any stormy situation in our lives, God is already there FIRST. Before we ever have any idea of something being amiss, God has already gone before us to prepare the way. He always makes sure his children will make it through, with His help.

My friend, remember, nothing is bigger than our God. No mountain, no storm, nothing!

How often do we come face to face with a storm and just want it to be over already? I’ve been there, plenty of times. Ain’t nobody got time for that!! Yet, while the children of Israel were crossing over, they were instructed to stop and pick up rocks.

What?! I’m sure there were some “I just want to get over and out of this - NOW, and you want me to stop and pick up some rocks?” We sure have a lot of hang ups and our own way of looking at things, don’t we?

GOD IS ALWAYS THERE FIRST!!

Another thought that was prompted in my spirit was that it’s not just about us ”getting thru” the storm or situation. It’s about taking something from the storm.

If God allowed us to bypass our storms, we couldn’t pick anything up from the middle of it, could we? If we’re in too big of a hurry to stop and gather stones during our pain and struggle, we’ll miss what God is trying to teach us. You see, it’s not God’s will to allow the storm to strip us of our faith, obedience, determination, etc. No, in fact, He desires us to trust in Him and strip the storm of something…it’s sting and victory.

TAKE SOMETHING FROM THE STORM!

The stones they were told to gather were to be reminders - or better put, their testimony. Those rocks were souvenirs they picked up during a time in their life which they didn’t want to forget - now or ever. They were for the future - even for a testimony to their children to come.

I’m sure this has been preached about millions of times down thru the years, but it’s fresh in my heart now.

What about it? Do we have any rock memorials of our own? We often mention having the T-shirt to prove it. Do we have a rock?! God doesn’t waste opportunities to show His power so won’t you join me? Reach down now, bend over and take something away from this storm instead of allowing it to strip anything from you.

What a beautiful story! We can have stories like this too. Today is Sunday. Sure, we’re all on a hallelujah high, but a storm is brewing with our name on it somewhere out there. Or perhaps you’re maneuvering one right now. Let’s remember, God has already scoped out the view and He says we’re going to make it. Not only “make it” , but thrive. Let’s not get in a rush, but glean all we can from this exact moment in time. The storm can’t strip us of anything unless we choose to give it up. We’re not hopeless causes or failures , we’re victors! We’re gaining testimony rocks for a memorial to share with others.

Grab that rock now, my friend, and let’s shout with a voice of triumph, for God has given us the victory! Yes, no matter what it may look like now, if God is for us we win - every time.

Carry on~