The Three Stones

I was carrying out some clearance in the basement yesterday and found three stones that brought back memories.

It was a time when I was going through a difficult and painful patch. I went down to our beach that day, to try and sort out my feelings with the Lord. Sitting on a rock with my back against a fold in the cliffs, I reached out to God in my devastation. All I was aware of was the healing gentle sound of the surf as it rattled across the shingle. A peaceful scene, except I was far from peaceful inside.

I was just about to return home when I felt He said "Pick up three stones." Without thinking, I chose three at random; one smooth white one, another grey and rough and the third was large, misshapen and brown. He then said, "Choose one stone that represents you!" I know my Scriptures and thought I ought to choose the pure white smooth one. But this was a time to be real and honest, so I replied with trembling lips and feeling a little ashamed, "This large dirty - I used a stronger word than that - one, that's me!"

That's just how I felt at that moment, because I thought I had failed and messed up big time. Father impressed upon me right there and then that He knew how I felt and He accepted me just as I was and wanted me to do the same. In other words, agree with God and love myself in the right way. I frequented that rocky seat in the following weeks, surrounded by His love and let the reality soak in and take root, until I could move on into the new.

Now, I don't want you to think I have some hot line to God, but when you are desperate it sharpens things up, you are more open to receive and God uses the right way of getting through to us. He meets us where we are at and doesn't want us to hide our feelings from Him. When we get real with God, He gets real with us. We experience more of His love and discover who we really are in Him.

"My dove in the clefts of the rock, in the hiding places on the mountainside, show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely." Song of Songs 2:14 New International Version

"Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." Isaiah 43:4 New International Version