“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”— 2 Chronicles 16:9
A little boy was playing in his sandbox one day. While he was playing, he discovered a large rock in the middle of the sandbox. He managed to dislodge it from the dirt, and nudged the enormous rock across the sandbox using his feet.
But when he got the rock to the edge of the sandbox, he found that he couldn’t roll it up and over the little wall. He shoved, pushed, and pried, but every time he thought he had made some progress, the rock tipped and then fell back into the sandbox. All this time, the boy’s father watched from his living room window as the drama unfolded.
As tears of frustration filled the boy’s eyes, a large shadow fell across the boy and the sandbox. It was the boy’s father. Gently he said, “Son, why didn’t you use all the strength that you had available?” Defeated, the boy sobbed back, “I did, Daddy.”
“No, son,” corrected the father kindly. “You didn’t use all the strength you had because you didn’t ask me.” With that the father reached down, picked up the rock, and removed it from the sandbox.
Many Christians are just like that little boy—trying to overcome challenges in their own power. It’s in that moment that God wants us to trust in Him. Give your struggles to God, who has the power to move the “big rocks” in your life.
Prayer Challenge
Confess to God where you’ve been trying to overcome your struggles on your own. Give them to Him today.
Questions for thought
Why do you think many Christians try to overcome life’s struggles in their own power?
What are some struggles today that you need to hand over to God?