HIDDEN IN THE CLEFT OF THE ROCK

On my way into town I pass by a curious rest stop by the side of

road. This rest stop looks out of place on this county road lined with pastures. There are signs along the road letting you know it is there. The sign is simply a picture of a rock and underneath it a picnic table.

 

The first time I saw the rest stop I marveled at the sight of it. Here was a large rock with a cleft jetting out. Underneath it someone had built a picnic table. Logic questioned who would put a picnic table in such a precarious place? I told myself I would not sit there.

As I pass by I always look just to see if anyone is there. I have seen travelers who have stopped to get their picture taken. I have seen families come to have a picnic. I have seen others come to explore and climb the rock.

I have seen the rock through all the seasons. During the spring rains the water cascades down the side of the rock into a waterfall. In the summer the hot scorching sun does not beat down on the cleft of rock but provides shade for those underneath it. In the fall I look beyond the rock and behold all the trees changing colors .In wintertime the precipitation on the waterfall freezes, ice cycles hang from the ledge in mid-drip giving the impression that time stands still. I admire the rock for all of its beauty and majesty.

I have watched as people take refuge in the cleft of the rock. Rain storms come and I see motorcycle riders pulling over there waiting for the storm to pass. In the summertime highway workers choose this spot to eat their lunch away from the scorching sun. In the weariness of their travels some have slept there to be refreshed.

I pass by this spot often but have never stopped. I tell myself I’m too busy now. I’m on my way somewhere. Then there is always the what if’s that intrude into my thought life. What if this cleft crushes me? I have reasoned that for me it is a trust issue.

I posed a question to God. What would it take for me to be comfortable enough to abide in the cleft of the rock? The answer came this morning as we were having devotions at the breakfast table. We were reading Faith Food Devotions by Kenneth E. Hagin. In this devotion Kenneth Hagin talks about a preacher, who had many storms in his life, came to seek advice from him.

Kenneth Hagin read these words to him...Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance, and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite request), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God.    Philippians 4:6 (Amplified)

“But everyone doesn’t have the faith you have”, the preacher told Kenneth. Yes, but they have the same Bible,” he replied, “and it’s a matter of practicing the Word.” He went on to say that he reads this verse and makes a declaration of faith that the Word is true and he believes it. He says aloud, “I refuse to fret or have any anxiety about anything.” He then makes his request to the Lord and thanks Him for them.

Could it be that the trust issues I have are this simple to get rid of? Have I been complicating the issue because I have been focusing on all of the external issues of trust?

~ Grace Ann

                                    Gracie learning to dwell with out fear. (: