The Dissertation Stone

II Corinthians 12:9
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

There’s a little red rock sitting on my desk near my computer. I call it my dissertation stone. You see, years ago when I was working on my doctorate, I faced the same battle every time I faced a new assignment. I’d sit down to write my paper or to take an exam and Satan, my enemy, would be right there beside me whispering in my ear, “You can’t do this. You aren’t smart enough.” When I stopped long enough to remind myself that I had done well last time, he argued, “But you won’t get it right this time.” He filled my head with such doubt and fear, that I’d get up and walk away. The problem wasn’t that he was telling me lies. Satan always tells us lies! The problem was, I was believing his lies! When it came time to research and write my dissertation, the most challenging academic assignment I’d ever faced, the doubts and fears only intensified.

Driving home one day, author Max Lucado was on the radio discussing his new book entitled He Still Moves Stones. His words were so intriguing that I couldn’t get out of the car once I reached home. He reminded me that the very same power that brought Christ back to life and rolled away that incredible stone that sealed His grave is available to me today. It hasn’t changed and it hasn’t diminished. I can face any impossible situation in His power. Whatever difficulty I’m facing today, God’s power is sufficient to overcome. God still moves stones!

As I stepped out of my car, I glanced down and there among all the white gravel was one very noticeable little red stone. I picked it up, carried it to my desk, and placed it at the base of my computer monitor as my visual reminder that God still moves stones. Every time I looked at that little red rock I was reminded to ask God for His power to face that difficult task of writing my dissertation. Satan continued to whisper his lies to try and defeat me, but I no longer believed them.

My friend, as you meditate on the miracle of the resurrected Christ today, remember that whatever impossible situation you are facing, God’s power is sufficient to make you victorious. There is nothing too hard for Him. He still moves stones!

Almighty God, we praise and bless Your name because of who You are. May we never lose sight of Your greatness, and never stop trusting Your power. May we live in the power of the resurrection!

By Ann Shorb
©Copyright Ann Shorb, 2007

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The Suncatcher

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