"A ROOM FULL OF CROSSES"

I normally do not place much stock in this kind of fictional story; but, this particular one seems to have some merit. I think that it teaches a powerful lesson and provokes us to thought on a very important subject.

"A young man was at the end of his rope one day. He felt as though he had tried everything he knew to remedy his situation. Seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer. "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy of a cross to bear."

The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish."

The man was filled with relief. "Thank you, Lord," he sighed as he did as he was told. Upon entering the other door, he saw many crosses, some so large that the tops were not visible. Then he spotted a small cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered. And the Lord replied, "My son…that is the cross you just brought in."

Now, we know that the Lord does not speak with us in this manner today, however, the moral of this story is this. No matter how great the problems in my life might be, there are others who is struggling much more than I.

Sometimes, when our problems seem to weigh us down, we tend to think that no one else has a problem as serious as ours. The Bible teaches us that "there is no temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it." (1 Cor. 10:13) Where this says temptation, you might also read "trial." As Solomon said, "…there is nothing new under the sun…" (Ecc. 1:9)

When is the last time you stopped and looked around to consider your blessings?