<h1>Stones On A Path</h1>

Stones on a path can do one of two things. First, they can be used to form a path. Along the edges of a hiking trail, neatly arranged rocks can show the correct way. Stones can also form a path in their natural position, such as large rocks in a river used to safely cross while staying dry. In these cases stones form the path we take and help us to reach our destination.

On the other hand, stones on a path can become an obstacle of stumbling. Unevenly strewn rocks on a path can go unnoticed and obstruct your way, and at times may even cause us to fall. The very first time I did a trail run, I tripped over an unnoticed rock. After falling, I came to my knees and noticed my face came inches from a cactus!

Many struggles and trials we face in our spiritual life are like stones. They have the opportunity to help us along our journey, or they can become stumbling blocks, obstructing our path. The difference depends on how we decide to use them. A lot of times we can look hindsight at past trials to determine if we used them to strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God or have they hindered our faith and our relationship with God? Depending on how we answer that question will help us to use future trials to form our path of faith rather than trip us up.

James tells Christians in James 1:2-3, "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." In Jame's view, trials can help form a path toward complete faith. Joy is a choice. With every trial we need to make the choice to allow it to form the path of faith, rather than obstruct it.

Blessings, 

Jeremy