Holding Rocks

The glass front bookcase in my living room is the home of several items.  Among other things there is the trophy my husband’s grandfather won on a coon hunt, the felt hats my dad and his brother wore as small boys, frames filled with warm memories and a rock.

Yes a rock.

To those peering through the glass it looks just like a regular rock picked up from a riverbed.  However, smooth from jagged edges it sits on the shelf with lots of meaning to me and one other person.

Several years ago my friend Susie and I sat in my living room enjoying a face to face visit that we both knew would not happen again for a long time.  God had issued a call within which she and her husband had answered.  Within a few short weeks she would be packing up her families belongings and relocating to a foreign country to share God’s love to the people that called that land home.

As we talked I noticed she was holding on to something.  

Finally we began talking about her upcoming mission and training.  She told me that during preparation sessions one of the speakers told them that there would be times when things would seem overwhelming.  It would appear that a Goliath was on the battlefield with them and his shadow would seem to block out the sun.  He encouraged them to find a rock and to remember that Goliath is not bigger than that rock when God is on your side. 

After she shared this story with me she opened her hand.  Cradled in the palm of her hand was that rock.

As she caressed that round stone and tears brimmed her eyes, she told me that she would not be able to crate the rock but would rather leave it in my safe keeping.  As she handed me the rock, she said right now things are going great!  The impossible seems possible as we step out on this journey but like the speaker said there will be times on the horizon that difficulties will overshadow us.  Times when we will become paralyzed by the fear of a Goliath standing in front of us that we will think we will not be able to even reach down and pick up a rock.  I want to know that you have this one as a reminder for me whenever I call and can’t find a rock near.

I felt so honored to be entrusted with the keeping of a rock for her.  There have been times that she has called over the years standing in the shadow of a Goliath and I have offered to send it to her.  Each time I can hear a small smile in her voice as she says “not yet”.  Then I feel the strength flow through her as she refocuses on God as her true ROCK and battles that Goliath because with God the impossible is possible.

This rock will forever have a place on my shelf until Susie ask for it back.  Which I hope she never does!

Not only is it a reminder for her but also for me!  God alone is our Rock. (Psalm 18:2)

So what about you?  Are you holding a rock (tangible or not) for someone?  Someone that you can remind when the shadows of a Goliath are blocking out the Son that whatever this thing is it is not bigger than your ROCK? Are you holding a rock for them during the times when they can’t seem to find one to pick up themselves?

I want to encourage you to do two things.

First, be that type of friend that will be entrusted to hold a rock for someone.  Then do it.

Second, pray that God will show you friends that are willing to hold a rock for you. Then place a rock in their hands to hold for you.

Although I have in my possession a rock for another I, myself, am taking this challenge.  Asking God to show me who can hold a rock for me.  We all need someone to be there when we can’t seem to reach down and find a rock to strike down a Goliath.

Stepping from the Shadows,

Cynthia