Stumbling Blocks

by Macy Johnson

“Jesus turned and said to Peter,

‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me;

you do not have in mind the things of God,

but the things of men.’”

(Matthew 16:23 NIV)

 

Albert Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” And you must avoid dangerous obstacles. I used to ride my bike from my family’s home in Warrington across the Bayou Chico drawbridge to Main Street to Seville Square in the historic district of downtown Pensacola. Riding over the railroad tracks at Main and Barrancas was tricky and hazardous with oncoming traffic. Those train tracks embedded in the road were potential stumbling blocks.

 

Balance is the key not only in riding a bike, but also in walking. I play Bridge with several ladies who trust their walkers to precipitate continued mobility in their activities. I walk two miles five times a week to help my body preserve its balance, but stumbling blocks can cause me to slip, as can pine needles and leaves.

 

Merriam Webster defines a stumbling block as “an impediment to belief or understanding.” Could I present a glitch into someone’s faith and cause them to lose their balance? My foolish interjections could turn a positive interaction into a negative one, like in the case of Peter wanting Jesus to build His kingdom according to Peter’s plans. I must daily ask God that His will be done, not mine.

 

Peter didn’t want Jesus to suffer and die, but he could not yet see the big picture. When I obey Jesus, deny myself and follow Him, I will understand better what His will is. Faithful obedience will help me over all stumbling blocks.   

 

I will push all the distractions between me and my Lord out of the way. I hope you will, too!