Between a Rock and a Hard Place

By Debbie Christopher...--Shh! Don't tell anyone, but I'm 'stealing a sermon' for this one! Don't worry, though, I'll cite him at the end*.

What I love about this is that it's short and sweet, yet packed with 'good stuff' for those on a rocky (bumpy) path, stuck in a hard spot, and too fearful to take the next step.

Our Next Generation Pastor spoke from a short passage (1 Samuel 14:1-15, 23) that describes an interesting account of a most precarious situation for two warriors...who found themselves between a rock and a hard place.

King Saul's son, Jonathan, and Jonathan's armor-bearer found themselves stuck between two crags (rocky cliffs)---interestingly enough, the name of one meant slippery and the name of the other meant thorny*---and, the Philistine army awaited below.

Have you ever thought, "Now what!?" Yep! I'm sure that was their initial thought as well. But...

They stood together, took a deep breath, trusted God together ---and, regardless of the outcome---------moved forward.

That's faith! That's courage! That's what it means to trust and obey...together.

He then concluded with this challenging, yet encouraging thought:

"Don't let circumstances belittle your faith, instead, allow them to build your faith." *Blake Housley

Oh...and God gave the victory!

Trusting together...

~Debbie

Post-script: As I bring this to a close, I can't help but realize how special the timing of this post turned out to be. As my hubby and I prepare to celebrate our 46th Anniversary this next week, the idea of together really stands out. We've, indeed stood together, taken many deep breaths together, trusted God together, ....and moved forward serving our Lord...together. What a joy! What a blessing! What a ride!

*Sermon by: Blake Housley, Park Crest Baptist Church, April 16, 2023