Stones of Remembrance

He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the  LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God.

Joshua 4:24

 My four-year-old granddaughter asked if she could hold my “special” rock. As I placed it in her hand, I told her the story behind it.

I was gathered outdoors with believers when our teacher spoke on Mark 5, the story of the man possessed by demons. The people of his town considered him beyond cure—a hopeless case. Yet, Jesus came to him and healed him. The man’s life was transformed.

I was reminded that those unsaved members of my family are not beyond the transforming touch of Jesus. I noticed a small rock near my foot. I picked it up as a stone of remembrance—nothing is impossible with Jesus.

Soon my granddaughter became bored with the rock and announced she was going outside. After she left, I realized she still had my rock in her hand. I dashed to find her and caught her right before she opened the door. My stone of remembrance was rescued!

Stones of remembrance are mentioned in Joshua 3. The Israelites were ready to cross into the promised land. The Jordan River, which was at flood stage, stood in their way. It was impossible for them to cross. But God miraculously parted the Jordan, and the Israelites crossed on dry ground into the promised land. One man from each of the twelve tribes of Israel gathered a stone from the middle of the Jordan. The twelve stones were made into a memorial so future generations would know God’s power. Nothing is impossible with God!

When the way seems hopeless, God can make a way!

What miraculous deed has the Lord done in your life? How has He transformed you or someone you love? When has He made a way for you when every avenue seemed blocked? What do you have as a reminder that nothing is impossible with God?

Jan Burkhart