We may claim we believe God is faithful and can be trusted with our life, but what happens with doubts come. Laura shares.
“Whatever you ask for in prayer and faith, you will receive” (Matthew 21:23).
I brought a dozen rocks to a HopeKeepers meeting recently. Each rock had a word inscribed; hope, blessed, believe, strength, pray and others.
After we said a prayer asking the Holy Spirit for guidance, each member randomly chose a rock. What happened next was remarkable. Every person stated that the exact word received was something they needed. One woman revealed pray on her rock.
“I have gotten away from daily prayer and just began to focus more on it, ” she said. “This rock is a good reminder.”
Another member stated that her blessed stone reminded her of the constant struggle she was having with identifying blessings while dealing with several illnesses.
I didn’t look at my rock until it was my turn to talk. When I glanced at the word I was awestruck.
Believe.
Believe: to have firm religious faith; to accept something as true, genuine or real; to have a firm conviction as to the goodness, efficacy, or ability of something.
I knew my rock was God-inspired. I was having a difficult time trusting God. Several things had happened and I was floundering. I still prayed, attended church; but something was missing.
And God once again was reminding me to believe and trust Him before all others.
That belief was challenged when I sat at my beloved mother-in-law’s hospital bed. She survived surgery to repair a blown aneurysm but the effects were irreversible; she died three days later. But I had my believe rock with me, as I always do. I prayed aloud in her room; prayers that I’ve known since childhood. They were of comfort to me and I believe she could hear me.
And when she left us I knew this was God’s plan.
We are all constantly challenged with our health issues. It is easy to give in to the negative thoughts; stop believing. But I am convinced these rocks are just one more affirmation of God’s love and support for us.
Prayer: Dear Lord, guide as we struggle with our illnesses and other challenges. Help us to seek You, above others, as that is where we get our ultimate comfort. Amen.
About the author:
Laura Seil Ruszczyk lives in New York with her husband and three kids. She retired from her job as an elementary school counselor in 2012. She has a neurological condition – dysautonomia- which is a deregulation of the autonomic nervous system.
What signs have you received from God that He walks on this journey with you?
If you are going through a tough time right now, I think this song “After the Rain” with Aaron Jeoffrey, will encourage you. It can be hard to believe God has a plan when we seem to be tumbling through one storm after another, but at some time the storms will end and we will be able to “look to the sky again.” Hugs. -Lisa
Laura, I love this reminder of God’s presence. I was working on a bible study that said, “Go outside and find a rock that will represent minder of God’s Presence.” I found in my yard a blue rock that was in shape of a heart. The top part had apparently been broke off. I carried it in my pocket for a month and touched it throughout those hard days. Now it sits on my side table and I see it each morning and night by my bed. God is so good!
Tracy, that sounds really special; finding a rock in your yard. Thank you for sharing. Blessings, Laura
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Great message Laura! 🙂
I LOVE how God orchestrates the exact right word/rock for each one!! I used to lead workshops in churches & regularly used scriptures or words on symbolic shapes nearing the end of the workshops. Over & over again there were testimonies of a specific verse or word being the exact one God was giving them often, or that they were needing. God is AMAZING!! Thanks for reminding me of those special times, Laura.
I have rocks with words on them & often use them as displays to remind me of something that God is focusing my attention on. They really encourage me too. I pray that your special little group continue to be encouraged & that you & your family’s grieving hearts are beginning to heal. God bless. Lotsoluv Kerryn
Thank you for the kind words Kerryn.
I carry several rocks of meaning in my purse. Laura
I experienced a powerful encounter this weekend.
I too had prayed for relief and my prayer was not answered.
As I felt, as a little child, that was heartbroken and felt very alone, I sensed the Lord’s embrace…IN the pain.
He was holding me, as I sobbed. I was a slobberly mess. I did not hold back one tear.
Years ago I had been given a scripture that I consider a Life Scripture for me.
“I will never leave you or forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5
Time and time again…in different circumstances, it will come to mind.
In His Presence, I sense His care and an assurance that He would never leave me or forsake me…whether I am in a lot of distress…or having a good day…or I am feeling my faith is faltering…or even if I have times when I wonder if He even cares.
Never means never…I believe Him
Thank you for your honesty
Linda Kosinski Maynard
Thank you for sharing Linda. How beautiful that you can feel Him. Blessings Laura
Laura, tks so much for sharing some of your tender journey with us. Very inspirational. Praying for you and all your family. Love to you. Di
Thank you Di. God bless you.