‘Ever drive on a highway carved out of a mountainside or high hill where craggy cliffs border each side? Signs along the way warn drivers: Beware of falling rocks.
I wonder how much good those signs accomplish. Is it really possible to stop in time, should a rock come plummeting down the hillside right in front of your car?
When falling rocks do cause accidents, insurance companies usually categorizes the event as an “act of God.” It’s considered an unavoidable natural disaster that no amount of cautionary measures could have prevented.
Not that God would deliberately cause such an accident. Every good gift comes from him (James 1:17). But he has set into motion certain natural consequences and laws that govern his creation. Erosion and gravity would be two examples at play in the case of falling rocks.
So what are we supposed to do when the road from Point A to Point B includes potential danger? (And doesn’t it always?)
For that matter, what are we supposed to do when the road of life includes potential danger? (Again, doesn’t it always?)
Many of us allow worry to niggle in our minds:
- How many rocks do you suppose have fallen along this stretch already?
- Does the Corps of Engineers check regularly for erosion?
- Is that jutting rock up ahead breaking loose?
- What’s up with that pile of rocks by the side of the road? That can’t be a good sign.
How do we steer clear of such thoughts? A good way to begin:
- Replace fearful thoughts with faith-filled thoughts.
“The only happy way to deal with [falling rocks and other such adversities] is the way of faith: faith in the purposes of God, in the presence of God, in the promises of God, and in the power of God” (Peter Marshall*).
- Affirm that God does indeed have loving purpose in it all.
Even when rocks fall?
Yes, because God is sovereign (Psalm 103:19) and God is good (Psalm 145:9). Many saints through the ages have endured pain, suffering, and calamity, yet came to understand that God accomplished positive purpose(s) through it all.
Just one such saint out of many: Elisabeth Elliot. Perhaps you already know the story. Her young husband, Jim, was one of five missionaries brutally murdered by Auca Indians in Ecuador, 1956. Their daughter was just ten months old. Yet Elisabeth was able to write this:
“I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God.”
And no doubt, those two realities in Elisabeth’s life, the presence of God and the love of God, were precious treasures indeed.
In addition, hundreds of young men and women vowed to become missionaries as a result of the example and inspiration of those five young martyrs. Most amazing of all, numerous members of the Auca tribe eventually became Christians, including the killers of Jim Elliot and the other four missionaries with him. (You can read more of the incredible story here.)
- Decide like the Apostle Paul: the only thing that really matters is exalting Jesus (Philippians 1:19-21).
And exalting Jesus can be achieved in any circumstance.
- Understand that tests and challenges are “sheer gifts” (James 1:3 MSG).
Why? The testing of faith develops perseverance. And perseverance leads to maturity and strength of character (vs. 3-4).
I like the sound of that: maturity and strength of character. So when I’m the victim of falling rocks and start to give in to self-pity, worry, or complaining, please remind me of these principles.
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Father, for providing the way of faith on the treacherous road of life. We can trust your purpose for all things, your presence in all situations, your scripture promises of hope and comfort, and your power to see us through. Hallelujah!
(Romans 8:28; Hebrews 13:5b; Psalm 145:13; Matthew 19:26b)
(1) Author, pastor, and chaplain of the United States Senate in the late 1940s.
(Art & photo credits: http://www.wikimedia.com; http://www.pixabay.com (2); http://www.pexels.com; http://www.inspirationalchristians.org; http://www.pixabay.com.)
From the Inside Out 
great lesson. Loved this sentence: Replace fearful thoughts with faith-filled thoughts.. what a great phrase to remember and repeat. Have a great weekend, Nancy
I especially appreciate short-yet-meaningful, easy-to-remember faith-statements. This one about faith-filled thoughts qualifies! P.S. I AM having a great weekend. Enjoyed a leisurely brunch with a new friend yesterday, and our granddaughter spent the night! Now I pray the same blessing back to you: may your weekend include fun and rest!
I am leading Max Lucado’s study on “Anxious for nothing.” This blog really enforces everything in it. It is another inspiring study as is your blog. I liked the sentence as well “Replace fearful thoughts with faith-filled thoughts. Blessings!
Thank you, Janet. Isn’t it a lovely God-incident when he tells us the same thing in different places? Then we can know for certain THIS is what he wants us to understand and embrace. Filling our minds with faith-filled thoughts is one of those basic understandings. It provides positive impact in so many ways, even for our physical health. God made us; he knows what’s good for us. Faith-filled thoughts are surely near the top of the list!
Thanks, Nancy, for this wonderful reminder. At times I understand it (usually during my quiet time, early in the morning, before any interactions with people), and other times I totally blow it and forget (usually right after everyone is up) … 🙂 Thanks for being there … always pointing us to the Truth of God’s Word.
Your humorous honesty made me smile, Heidi. You are so right that our faith can feel strong during early morning quiet time, but quickly become depleted depending on how the day unfolds! It’s a growing process, for sure!
This ties right in with today’s ‘Jesus Calling’ entry: “Hardships are part of the journey too. I mete them out ever so carefully, in just the right dosage, with a tenderness you can hardly imagine. Do not recoil from afflictions, since they are among My most favored gifts. Trust Me and don’t be afraid, for I am your Strength and Song.” Nancy, I know that the Lord is really speaking to me regarding a certain spiritual subject when at least two of my encounters with the Lord in one day are about the same thing! And fear and worry are my most difficult challenges. Praise God He never gives up on me and is constantly reassuring me!
(Please see my response to Janet Leap, above, on the same subject.) I agree with you, Cheri: hearing from God twice on the same day on the same subject is no coincidence! Thank you for sharing from Sarah Young’s ‘Jesus Calling.’ (I LOVE this book and almost always read the daily portion.) My spirit says, “Yes, Lord, I know you mete hardships out ever so carefully, with a tenderness I can hardly imagine.” My mind says, “But it’s very difficult to see your tenderness in senseless tragedy.” I suppose that’s where trust and patience come into play: 1) trust in God even when we don’t understand what’s happened and don’t know what will happen next, 2) patience to wait and see how his plan will unfold. Again, remind of these principles as needed!
I could not sleep the other night and I got lazy mentally and let my mind go to something I can worry about with gusto, my grown children. For a couple hours I just worried then I thought, enough is enough and started saying out loud, I can’t fix them, I can’t fix them. Can’t tell you how many times I had to say it before the worry left but it did leave. Worry is a spiritual battle making us weary and useless for Him. Great post.
Amen to your statement: “Worry is a spiritual battle making us weary and useless for Him.” You are wise hearted indeed! Thank you for stopping by and joining in the conversation.
Hi Nancy,
Great points. We can’t be afraid to take the road of life if the Lord us alongside us. I mean courage is fear that gets up in the saddle anyway, right?
In Christ,
Gary
Ah, yes. In the words of John Wayne: “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” (Would it be disrespectful to say, praise God he has the horse by the reins?!)
Nope. So, true.