Pushing against the rock.....

I first came across this story while I was serving my mission. I thought that it was a great story then. However, for some reason now, it seems that much more applicable and poignant to me.
Perhaps we are not to move the rock, but to learn what we can while we push against it.

 

 



Pushing Against The Rock

By Anonymous

 

There was a man who was asleep one night in his cabin when suddenly his room was filled with light and the Savior appeared.  The Lord told him he had a work for him to do, and showed him a large rock, explaining that he was to push against that rock with all of his might.  This the man did, and for many days he toiled from sunup to sundown; his shoulder set squarely against the cold massive surface of the rock pushing with all his might.  Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Seeing that the man was showing signs of discouragement, Satan decided to enter the picture - placing thoughts in the man's mind, such as "Why kill yourself over this, you're never going to move it," or "Boy, you've been at it a long time and you haven't even scratched the surface," etc. - giving the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was an unworthy servant because he wasn't moving the massive stone.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man and he started to ease up in his efforts.  "Why kill myself?' he thought.  "I'll just put in my time, putting forth just the minimum of effort and that will be good enough."  And that he did, or at least planned on doing until one day he decided to take his troubles to the Lord.  "Lord," he said, "I have labored hard and long in your service, putting forth all my strength to do that which you have asked of me.  Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock half a millimeter.  What is wrong?  Why am I failing?"

To this the Lord responded compassionately, "My friend...when long ago I asked you to serve me and you accepted, I told you to push against the rock with all our strength, and that you have done.  But never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it.  At least not by yourself.  Your task was to push and now you come to me, your strength spent, thinking that you have failed and ready to quit.  But is that really so?  Look at yourself.  Your arms are strong and muscled.  Your hands are calloused from constant pressure and your legs have become massive and hard.

Through opposition you have grown much and your ability now far surpasses that which you used to have.  Yet still, you haven't succeeded in moving the rock; and you come to me now with a heavy heart and your strength spent.  I, my friend will move the rock.  Your calling was to be obedient and to push, and to exercise your faith and trust in my wisdom...and this you have done.