A Stumbling-block or a Stepping-stone

by Amy Carmichael
 
"To each is given a bag of tools,
An hour-glass, and a book of rules;
And each must build ere his work be done,
A stumbling-block or a stepping-stone."


Our bag of tools–our body with all its various powers, the "tools" God has given us to use; the hour-glass–time; the book of rules–our Bible; the stumbling-block–that which will hinder others; the stepping-stone–that which will help them nearer Heaven–so far all is clear.
Is this clear too? We cannot build both a stumbling-block and a stepping-stone. We must choose which we will build. Once built it stands; we cannot pull it down and begin over again. Is not this an awful truth? Think of what it would be if, when the day is over and the work is done, we looked at it and saw a stumbling-cbock. God save us from that.
Every true, loving, faithful thought, word, or deed, helps to build the stepping-stone. Every untrue, unloving, unfaithful thought, word, or deed, helps to build the stumbling-block over which others will fall.
God help us all to build stepping-stones.
 

Give

Subscribe to the Daybreak Devotions for Women

Be inspired by God's Word every day! Delivered to your inbox.


More from Emily van Rijn

  • featureImage

    Follow Me

    Following Jesus is hard, and it takes sacrifice. It’s easy to get too focused on that. I’m speaking for myself here! But following Jesus me...

    1 min read
  • featureImage

    Follow Me

    Following Jesus is hard, and it takes sacrifice. It’s easy to get too focused on that. I’m speaking for myself here! But following Jesus me...

    1 min read
  • featureImage

    The Thirstiest Animal

    Do you know which animal is the thirstiest? I was surprised to discover that it is .... the dairy cow! But it makes perfect sense. A cow giv...

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    The Thirstiest Animal

    Do you know which animal is the thirstiest? I was surprised to discover that it is .... the dairy cow! But it makes perfect sense. A cow giv...

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    It's painful!

    As I sliced feijoas for Lydia to enjoy, I pretended the feijoas cried, "Ouch!" For feijoas to be eaten, they have to be cut down the middle ...

    2 min read

Editor's Picks

  • featureImage

    When Worry Steals Your Joy

    My husband, Steve, and I sat anxiously in our seats. I wondered if I was going to be able to endure the ride, especially knowing my propensity for motion sickness. But we began nonetheless. The guide strapped all passengers into the tiny boats and gave last minute instructions. Of course there were life preservers, but what good would they do in the fierce rapids that threatened to suck its prey below the surface? Read more...

    4 min read
  • featureImage

    The Harvest: Embracing the Call for Laborers

    In this Sunday's gospel reading, Jesus sends his disciples "two-by-two" before Him to find "laborers for the harvest." This is the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Please share your thoughts on the article in the "Comments" section.Peacehttps://www.patheos.com/blogs/faith4today/2025/07/the-harvest-embracing-the-call-for-laborers/

    1 min read
  • featureImage

    How we Maximize our Spiritual Potential-

    Every believer in Jesus is literally bursting with all sorts of spiritual potential. It’s true.Even those who don’t think they have it, have it. Spiritual potential is a fundamental component of th…

    5 min read

More from Emily van Rijn

  • featureImage

    Follow Me

    Following Jesus is hard, and it takes sacrifice. It’s easy to get too focused on that. I’m speaking for myself here! But following Jesus me...

    1 min read
  • featureImage

    Follow Me

    Following Jesus is hard, and it takes sacrifice. It’s easy to get too focused on that. I’m speaking for myself here! But following Jesus me...

    1 min read
  • featureImage

    The Thirstiest Animal

    Do you know which animal is the thirstiest? I was surprised to discover that it is .... the dairy cow! But it makes perfect sense. A cow giv...

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    The Thirstiest Animal

    Do you know which animal is the thirstiest? I was surprised to discover that it is .... the dairy cow! But it makes perfect sense. A cow giv...

    2 min read
  • featureImage

    It's painful!

    As I sliced feijoas for Lydia to enjoy, I pretended the feijoas cried, "Ouch!" For feijoas to be eaten, they have to be cut down the middle ...

    2 min read