Moving The Rock - Story

(Author Unknown)

There was a man who was asleep one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light and the Savior appeared. The Lord told him he had a work for him to do, and showed him a large rock, explaining that he was to push against the rock with all his might. This the man did, and for many days he toiled from sunup to sundown; his shoulder set squarely against the cold massive surface of the rock, pushing with all his might. Each night the man returned to the cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

One day he decided to take his troubles to the Lord. Lord, he said, I have labored hard and long in your service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked me. Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock half a millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?

To this the Lord responded compassionately, My friend,…when long ago I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you to push against the rock with all your strength, and you have done that. But never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it, at least not by yourself. You task was to push and now you come to me, your strength spent, thinking that you have failed and are ready to quit.

But is that really so? Look at yourself. Your arms are strong and muscled, your back sinewed and brown. Your hands are callused from constant pressure and your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition, you have grown much and your ability now far surpasses that which you used to have. Yet still, you haven’t succeeded in moving the rock; and you come to me now with a heavy heart and your strength spent.

I, my friend, will move the rock. Your calling was to be obedient and to push, and to exercise your faith and trust in my wisdom…and THIS YOU HAVE DONE.