The heavy lifting
And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” ~ Mark 16:3
Have you ever spent hours worrying about a problem that God had already solved? We laugh about it afterward, but while we’re in the middle of it, the obstacle can seem enormous. It’s amazing how often we lose sleep over a stone that God has already moved.
That’s exactly what happened to the women on resurrection morning. As they walked toward the tomb, they carried spices in their hands and concern in their hearts.
One question kept repeating itself. “Who is going to roll away the stone?” It was a valid concern. The stone was far too large for them to move. Yet when they arrived, the problem that had been worrying about all the way to the tomb was already gone. God had taken care of the heavy lifting before they even got there.
I love that picture. The women had done everything they could do. They prepared the spices. They got up early. They made the journey. They obeyed. The one thing they couldn’t do, God had already done.
Isn’t that how our walk with God often works? He asks us to do what is within our ability. Then He faithfully does what only He can do. Sometimes we expect God to do our part too. Other times we try to do His part but neither approach works very well. Our responsibility is obedience. His responsibility is the miracle.
Here are some ways to walk in that truth:
- Take the first step of obedience even when you can’t see the entire path.
- Stop worrying about obstacles that belong to God.
- Pray specifically for the areas where only God can intervene.
- Thank Him in advance for His faithfulness before you see the answer.
I’ve discovered that many of the “stones” I’ve worried about never needed my strength in the first place. God was already at work long before I arrived. He’s so much better at moving impossible obstacles than I will ever, and thankfully He doesn’t ask me to help push!
Today I want to encourage you to faithfully do the part God has given you and trust Him with the part only He can make happen. Keep walking in obedience, even when the obstacles seem overwhelming. The same God who rolled away the stone is already waiting in your tomorrow. He has gone before you, opened doors you cannot open, and prepared a way where there seems to be none. Trust His faithfulness, take your next step, and watch Him do the heavy lifting.
Here is how you can get started today:
- Identify what God has asked you to do and take that first step today.
- Release one burden you’ve been trying to carry by yourself.
- Thank God for going before you.
- Watch for His faithfulness in ordinary moments.
Today’s scripture reading: Mark 16:1-11
1 Now when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might come and anoint Him.
2 Very early in the morning, on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.
3 And they said among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?”
4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large.
5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed.
6 But he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him.
7 But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”
8 So they went out quickly and fled from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed. And they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.
9 Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.
10 She went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept.
11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe.
12 After that, He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country.
13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them either.
Journal:
- What “stone” have I been worrying about?
- Am I trying to do God’s part instead of my own?
- What step of obedience is God asking me to take?
- How has God gone before me in the past?
- What miracle am I trusting Him for today?
