Step By Step [Stepping Stones And Memorials] Devotions Day 4

Carrying Stones for Others

Devotional
Imagine being one of those twelve Israelite men, going back into Jordan River to retrieve heavy stones from the riverbed. These weren't small pebbles... they were substantial rocks that had to be carried on their shoulders to the other side. It was hard work, but it served a greater purpose. Sometimes your faith journey feels like carrying heavy stones. The weight of doing what's right when it's costly. The burden of maintaining hope when circumstances look bleak. The challenge of showing love to people who don't return it. These aren't easy loads to bear. But here's the beautiful truth: the weight you carry today might become the witness someone needs tomorrow. Your willingness to bear these burdens faithfully creates something powerful that others can see and learn from. Maybe your 'stone' is the story of how God restored your marriage when it seemed hopeless. Perhaps it's how He provided financially when you chose to tithe despite tight circumstances. It could be how He gave you strength to care for an aging parent or helped you overcome an addiction. These experiences weren't just for your benefit. God allowed you to go through them and carry that weight so that others could witness His faithfulness through your life. Your testimony becomes a source of hope for someone facing similar struggles. Don't hide your stones. The very experiences that required the most faith, caused the most growth, or demanded the greatest sacrifice are often the ones that will most powerfully impact others. Your willingness to be vulnerable about your journey gives others permission to believe that God can work in their lives too. Remember, you're not carrying these stones alone. God gives you the strength to bear them, and He uses your faithfulness to build something beautiful that will encourage others long after your struggle is over.

Bible Verse
Tell them, ‘Take twelve stones from the very place where the priests are standing in the middle of the Jordan. Carry them out and pile them up at the place where you will camp tonight.’ - Joshua 4:3

Reflection Question
What 'heavy stone' are you currently carrying in your faith journey, and how might God want to use this experience as a testimony to encourage someone else?

Quote 
The weight that you carry today might become the witness someone needs tomorrow.

Prayer
God, when the weight of faithfulness feels heavy, remind me that You're using my obedience for a greater purpose. Give me strength to carry these stones with grace, knowing that my testimony might be exactly what someone else needs to see. Help me trust Your plan. Amen.