Facing obstacles

In ancient times a king had a boulder placed in the roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the kings wealthiest merchants and Courtiers came by and simply walked around the boulder. 

Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but no one did anything to move the stone. A peasant was traveling on the road carrying a load of vegetables. 

When he came upon the boulder, the peasant laid down his load and tried to move the heavy stone to the side of the road. 

After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. After he picked up his vegetables to be on his way, the peasant noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. 

Opening the purse the peasant found many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. 

The king then came out from his hiding place and congratulated the peasant for passing the test. The peasant learned what many of us never understand, even obstacles present an opportunity to improve our condition. 

James put it this way, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been tried, he will recieve the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12)