Injustice You’re asked to Ignore

Swallowing Boulders

Ever had an experience where you were given a boulder and asked to just, “swallow” it?

Often, I see things happen that just don’t sit well with me and often I have to just swallow, take a deep breath and keep my eyes on Jesus because it doesn’t matter in the least what I do – it is what it is and I can do nothing to change it.

I think life is presented to us in this way and often we can manage it, let it go, and keep moving forward. I mean life is but 10% of what happens to us and 90% of how we respond, right?

But other times the thing that doesn’t sit well in my soul is turned over so many times in prayer that it becomes a boulder that I can no longer ignore. So here is where we’re given the chance to do something. But what? What do we do when our relationships will be compromised? Or when our career is at stake? And when our integrity is questioned? What do we do when what we feel is right is not what’s being done?

Perception or Reality?

Is it just our perception of what’s being done that makes it feel not right? or is it really a “not-right” that makes us feel bad?

I often wonder why we react so severely to one thing but can be so nonchalant with another. To one it makes total sense to do it this way but to the other it’s literally asking them to swallow this boulder.

So, what do we do?

I truly believe this boulder was handed to me with good intentions. Nothing in me feels like it was meant to cause harm. However, my lower back and neck would beg to differ.

The bottom line is this… can I stay here holding this boulder and trust God? I mean seriously, isn’t it this very thing that draws us to this place? Trust? Or do I try to make the decision that I will swallow it or put it down and walk away?

How do we Manage?

Does it have to be so matter-of-fact? Or can I just remain standing here holding this boulder? And how long can this continue? I could put it down and carry out my daily routines, but then it’s a constant reminder – blocking my path, causing me to detour around it. What does this do but cause more pain as I strike my shin trying to avoid it?

It’s possible to break into smaller, more manageable stones. Easier to swallow. Or better yet easier to find a better solution that suits us all. Right?

Once again, I’m holding this boulder uncertain of the outcome. Not sure how to manage it with its weight and size. Unsure if relief is near. Someone else, please carry this boulder for me.  Maybe it will dissolve because it was made of limestone and its rigid structure has been compromised?

I know that God is in control! Of that, I have no doubt. But what I’m struggling with is when do we stand? When do we stay? When do we sit and wait? I have strong feelings about this boulder, but not sure what to do with it at this moment.