What Do These Stones Mean?

         “Gee Gee, tell me a story about my mama,” my granddaughter Shania begged. “Tell me a good one about her cows. I want to show cows, too.” I told her how her mother learned to bathe and lead the cows. We talked about how important it was to train the cows, but, more importantly, I told her how faithful her mother was in taking care of them.
         Her request turned my attention to the value of our stories. I noted that Shania saw her mother as a role model. She sought to fulfill the story in her own life. Each of us has a story that helps to shape us. We seek to measure up to the heroes we have chosen.
         When I read the story of the Children of Israel crossing the River Jordan in the fourth chapter of Joshua, I thought how God used the stories in their lives. Joshua instructed them in how they were to cross. One of the requirements was that each tribe should appoint a man to take a stone from the bottom of the riverbed and place the stones as a memorial on the bank after they had crossed.
         In the future when the children asked "What do these stones mean?" the fathers were to tell them the stories of God's dealing with them in the wilderness and the miracles God wrought on their behalf.
         God wanted the Israelites of future generations to rehearse the lessons learned in the wilderness. The memorial was a method to ensure that. God wanted to remind those who had seen miracles and inform those who had not. I have stories in my life of God's dealing, too. I have a memorial to remind me of lessons, and I need to tell someone about them.
         I live in the midst of pain and fearsome demand. I need to know that God is with me. I need to remember that he has been with me on other occasions, and His hand is not shortened nor his power diminished.
         I hope it helps others to hear my stories, but do not be deceived: I am saying it so I can remember. Those memories strengthen my faith to deal with new trials. Maybe others can be inspired by what God has done in my life, but the telling and remembering are for me. My pile of stones consists of scriptures that have sustained me through difficulties.
         1. Isaiah 28:23 Does the plowman plow all day to sow?
         This reminds me that God did not call me to an easy life. Plowing is a purposeful activity. God does not allow the disruption in my life just to make me uncomfortable. He has no interest in my misery. When I feel God plowing in my life, I know He desires growth and fruit. Let Him plow--He purposes a crop.
         2. Nehemiah 8:10 Go your way. Eat the fat and drink the sweet, for this day is holy unto you. The joy of the Lord is your strength.
         A lost book of the Law had been recovered in the temple. The people assembled before the water gate and stood for half a day while it was read to them and explained so that even the children understood. The people wept and prayed. Then Nehemiah told them not to be sad. This day was blessed. They were to rejoice and celebrate, and they would be strengthened by the joy of knowing and loving God. I like joy. Reading and understanding the Bible allows me to enter into that joy. And joy gives strength for the rest of the journey.
         3. I Thessalonians 5:17 In everything give thanks for this is the will of the Lord in Christ Jesus concerning you.
         This stone was special. When my girls were young, I taught them this scripture. When difficult or distressing or disgusting events happened, I would turn to them and say, “Repeat the rule.” One of them would say the verse. Together, we learned that we were not necessarily glad for the current event, but, in the midst of it, we could thank God. I could go to a funeral and be thankful to God for sustaining me. I could endure pain and thank God for loving me. I could face loss and thank God for saving me. It is always appropriate to thank God.
         One day I read that scripture, and the next verse so impressed me that I included it as Rule #2. It says, “Quench not the Spirit.” Complaining and whining quench the Spirit. Giving thanks to God in the middle of any situation releases the Holy Spirit to act on my behalf. If the girls heard me complain, one of them would say, “Rule # 2, Mom.”
         4. Daniel 3:17-18 But if not
         Three Hebrew men were so faithful to God during captivity that they refused to bow to the golden image of himself that Nebuchadnezzor the king had erected. After the first refusal the king informed them they could still make everything all right by complying with his instructions when they heard the call of the music. He taunted them saying, “If you don’t obey you will be thrown in the furnace, and who is the god that will save you?”
         They replied, “Our God is able to save us and He will, but if not, we still will not bow down or worship your golden image.” Sometimes I have to stand my ground. I was active in city government for about ten years. I had to deal with problems and people. It was difficult, but truth and honor are not relative. This story strengthened me when I needed to be faithful and look beyond self-interest.
         My pile of stones continues to grow. Like the memorial of Joshua, it reminds me and tells others of God’s action in my life. I hope you have stones, too, to mark where God has blessed you. They witness to others and sustain you.