A mass of sandstone loomed above the rush of cold mountain water as my son, limber with youth and filled with the daring outlook of boy-conquers-world, scrambled up one slippery side. White-knuckled, he groped his way along water-slicked edges and scaled the massive river rock. Pounding his chest with boyhood bravado, a whoop of jubilation burst from pubescent lungs.
From boulders to jutting cliffs and larger-than-life mountains, standing stones protrude in adult lives, as well. Deep. Entrenched. Impassable.
The Great Unmovable varies, but we recognize it. For some it takes the shape of anxiety. Infertility. Abandonment. Or, perhaps, cancer. Death. Depression.
My Great Unmovable? Fear.
Fear of missing the mark in motherhood. In loving my husband. Fear of failing to see the needs of family and friends. Fear of being less than capable of staving off danger, hardship, or self-sabotage in the lives of dear ones.
This Great Unmovable has loomed large for several years as I’ve navigated life’s twists and turns. Sometimes it shrinks in the distance and blends into the shadow of memory while there are moments–even weeks and months–when it rises like an ill-conceived monolith. Masking victory. Concealing hope. Obscuring joy.
Yet in that weakness, I discover strength. Not a strength born of grit or self-determination, but a soul-fortitude birthed in the One who is faithful and true. Only when clinging to the unchanging Rock and the Cornerstone of eternal confidence am I able to loose my grip on the Great Unmovable. Because of the matchless Father, I am lifted high, my feet planted firmly on the top of the great unmovable–a conqueror in Christ.
And, I beat my chest in celebration as a shout erupts from inside out. I know, Friend, that every rise, rampart, or range dissolves at the command of the Immutable. When I stand here? I capture a glimpse. An impression. The endless promise.
Jesus.
There may be a few more ridges to climb, but by His grace we’ll scale each one only to discover so much more than we ever imagined.
Question for Reflection–What Great Unmovable looms large in your life? He is able to overcome, Friend.
Verse of Encouragement–Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go; give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress. (Psalm 71:3)
Blessings, Tammy
Hi Tammy,
Great post, we can have Boulders of all shapes & sizes that can either be obstacles or challenges.
The Boulder that looms before me, is my biggest daily challenge, chronic health conditions, one causing chronic global pain throughout the body. But as I meet each day at the foot of this Boulder, I am reminded of standing at the foot of the cross & who my redeemer is!
You’re most welcome to drop by for a cup of inspiration anytime.
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer. I am so sorry you deal with chronic pain. Whether physical or mental, sustained pain is truly a challenge. May He comfort and guide you as each day you overcome the struggle and glorify Him through your testimony. Thanks for connecting! I look forward to visiting your site. 🙂 Blessings, Tammy
Powerful imagery, Tammy. This. “I capture a glimpse. An impression. The endless promise. Jesus.” Yes!
Hi Karen. If I could just keep that hope alive every moment of every day! 🙂 Have a wonderful weekend!
Woody Allen asked Billy Graham: What is your biggest sin/or commandment not obeyed? He answered: Idolatry. Repented of self-reliance again this morning. An ongoing boulder moved only by God and constant self-awareness steeped in grace.
I know that I have Jesus as the Solid Rock to lean on and I long to remember that in my weakest and most vulnerable moments. You words warmed my heart and remind me of that today.
Blessings,
Marva | SunSparkleShine
HI Marva! How are you? I’m so glad you were encouraged today. Blessings, Tammy
Thanks for initiating this coversation about the Great Unmoveable. I’ll be thinking about my answer. I love the Billy Graham quote Sue shared above. Idolatry is definitely a big one.
The Billy Graham quote is wonderful. I look forward to hearing if God reveals something specific to you. Blessings, Tammy