When
we look at this verse we see a comparison of good and bad. We ask for bread, or nourishment, and a rock
is shown as a bad choice to give because it holds no nutritional value. We ask
for fish, again nourishment, and a serpent is shown as a bad choice because it
bites to release poison. Pretty
simple. But, this week as I was praying
and feeling so empty, I asked for fish and bread but felt like I was given a rock
instead. Yes, from God. In fact, when I
quoted this verse back to Him, He whispered, “You get a rock”.
Now,
I know God loves me so, after my overly dramatic child-like tantrum screaming
for the fish, I took a deep breath and quoted the verse to myself this time and
came to these conclusions: God is good
and gives good gifts. God gave me a rock
so the rock must be good….
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from
above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or
shadow due to change.” James 1:17
ESV
“We know that God works all
things for good for those who love him and are called according to His
purposes.” Romans
8:31
With
this information I began to think about how a rock could be good for me right
now. I could certainly use it to smash the
head of a fish – if I had a fish!!!
(sorry I guess I’m still bitter about the fish). Since the dawn of man rocks have been used as
tools. Even animals use rocks as tools.
And in the Bible rocks were used several times: To build on (Matt 7), to use as
shelter (Isaiah 2), to close a tomb (Luke 24), to carry out justice (John 8), and as a monument (Joshua 4).
The
disciples and other Jewish believers thought they were getting a fish in the
promised Messiah. I’m sure many of them
thought they were handed a rock when Jesus was crucified. But this too was the
perfect gift for the world.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
Son,
that whoever believes in him should not perish
but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV
They
had to trust a believe that God had a plan for their good; to find the reason
for the rock instead of the desired fish. Certainly this is our most basic
faith lesson. But doesn’t the rock gift sound contrary to the all of the verses
I’ve shared here? I mean, I was standing on His word and I asked seeked
knocked, so why wouldn’t God give me a fish as promised in the verse from
Matthew 7? Have you heard the Chinese axiom "Give a
man a fish, and you have fed him once. Teach him how to fish and you
have fed him for a lifetime." This was my answer -God wanted me to
grow in faith by this prayer experience. It was not until I searched for the
meaning of the rock did I truly, ask seek knock, and as promised – He answered.
“For by grace you have been saved
through faith.
And this is not your own doing; it
is the gift of God”
Ephesians 2:8 ESV
I heard a story of a man who wanted to please God. He asked God what he could do. God told him
to push this really big rock. So the man
did. He pushed and pushed and pushed
some more. He was faithful and stayed year after year pushing the rock. At the point he almost gave up, God returned. The man thought for sure he hadn’t done the
job asked of him. But God, kindly said –
“Well done!!” The man was shocked. The rock hadn’t moved an inch, and God was
pleased - No Way!! When he questioned God, God clarified his
instructions - “My son, I did not ask you to move the rock, I asked you to push
it. Since you began this task you have
developed certain muscles and strength. You have been faithful. Now, I can use you…. “
“Having gifts that differ according
to the grace given to us,
let us use them in proportion to
our faith.”
Romans 12:6 ESV
As we continue to
celebrate Father’s day this month, we should remember that our Heavenly Father
does really love us. Sometimes so much
He lets the rocks do their work for our good, even we are screaming for fish.
Other days, He will be faithful to give a fish or teach us to fish. The thing
to remember is that He is good, all the time. (and all the time He is
good).
These
rocks from God should not be confused with evil rocks or evil gifts. To confirm my rock wasn’t just a game of
Satan’s, I checked my thoughts with scripture, God’s voice, and faith. Satan rocks will smell of destruction, and
are found in forms such as rock slides, rocky shorelines that cut flesh to the
bones, and also can be as costumed to be very stable. Lies!! Beware of the free rock sign meant to
entice you away from God’s plan. Stay the course and check
with the Capitan for
any changes.
“For him who has an ear, let him
hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
To the one who keeps the faith I
will give some of the sacred manna,
and I will give him a white rock, with a
new name written on the it t
hat no one knows except the one who receives it.”
Revelation
2:17 ESV
This week has been tough for me. I even posted a phrase on Facebook that represented my status - “God won’t give you more than you can handle – So apparently God thinks I’m a Bad-Ass”. The truth is, yes this is what God thinks of me. He trusts me to deal with life as it comes because of what He has already brought me through and what I’ve learned from Him. For what I have yet to learn? He is there. He is my rock.
Our
Prayer
Lord, thank you for loving
me. Thank you for knowing just what I
need and hearing but not giving into my childish rants. Forgive me for those times I go and just get
the fish on my own. I will wait and
trust your goodness. So, today, instead
of fish I ask for rocks – big ones!! Strengthen me for your use. Build my faith stone by stone. Protect me from
the rock slides that push me off course. I love you!!
 “See what kind of love the Father has given to us |
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that we should be called children of God; and
so we are.”
1 John 3:1 ESV
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More encouragement verses for you to use this week:
Luke 12:32 ESV
Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure
to give you the kingdom.
Psalm 84:11 ESV
For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor
and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
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