By Tiffany Stuart
Read 1 Peter 2:4-9
I am a rock. Not Peter, the Rock, but a rock. I am a living stone in a river where rushing waters slam into me daily. I am constantly moving, but I feel like I’m going nowhere. Often I feel restless and alone. I wonder if I will ever make it to where waters are calm, where I can rest.
The river changes with life’s seasons. In winter, things move slowly as the waters freeze over. Springtime brings rain and white waters race over me. Summer is refreshing and trees around me are fruitful. I feel the sun’s warmth and hear the meadowlark’s song again. In autumn, leaves drop into the water and rub up against me.
Often rocks bump into me, make me mad, even hurt me. Sometimes I feel bruised and scraped. Some rocks protect me. They listen and encourage me, share my burden and my joy.
Who made me a living stone? Why am I in the water’s way? Lord, tell me this life is not meaningless. Tell me the joy and the pain of the river have purpose.
I look to the cornerstone, Christ, for direction. He tells me to lean not on my own understanding, but trust and acknowledge Him. (Proverbs 3:5-6) I call out for relief. God hears my cry and lifts me up out of the current, He comforts me and tells me this is His plan and it is good. He says He loves me and reminds me He is always near and that this is His will. (Isaiah 43:1-4) So I trust Him and He places me gently back in the waters.
Somedays I sing praises to drown out the waves around me. Or I scream and cry. Often I want just a little silence, but the noise continues. Life goes on.
Life is a river. I am a rock. God chose me and placed me into living waters for His glory. My rough edges and dirt must go. The water and other rocks shape me, bringing me joy and pain. The river works.
So I wait in the waters with hope.
Lord, today I submit to whatever the river brings. Grant me strength to endure. Help me see You in this lifelong process. I want to finish strong. I praise you in all things, joy and pain. Thank you for life! Jesus I worship you, the living cornerstone. I accept the challenge of becoming shaped. This is my destiny in You. Amen
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