Roll Away the Stone of Impossibility
By Gregory Toussaint | April 6, 2026
In life, there are moments when people feel blocked by something they cannot move. These obstacles can appear suddenly or build over time, standing between a person and what they hope to accomplish. They may show up in relationships, careers, personal goals, or emotional struggles. No matter the form, the feeling is often the same—there is a “stone” in the way, and it seems too heavy to push aside. In those moments, it is easy to feel discouraged, limited, or unsure of what to do next.
A powerful example of this experience is found in the journey of Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome. After witnessing the burial of Jesus, they realized His body had not been properly anointed. Out of love and honor, they made the decision to return to the tomb early in the morning to complete what had been left undone. Yet as they went, one major concern filled their minds: “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” (Mark 16:3). Their situation reflects the reality many face today—having a clear purpose, but also facing a barrier that seems impossible to overcome.
When Human Strength Feels Too Small
As Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome walked toward the tomb, they were fully aware of their limitation. The stone placed at the entrance was not small or easy to move. It had been intentionally set in place and would normally require multiple strong individuals to shift it. Looking at themselves, they could not ignore the reality—they did not have the strength to move it. This awareness created a sense of concern, not because their mission lacked meaning, but because their ability felt insufficient.
This same feeling is common in everyday life. People often have goals, dreams, and responsibilities, yet encounter situations that exceed their personal capacity. It may be a challenging exam that determines a future career, a desire for growth that feels blocked by unseen barriers, or a personal situation that cannot be resolved through effort alone. In those moments, weakness becomes undeniable. However, rather than disqualifying someone, that very weakness creates the space for something greater. When strength runs out, it opens the door for divine intervention. The reality is simple but powerful: when a person cannot do it alone, it does not mean it cannot be done.
When the Problem Feels Too Big
Another reason the women were concerned was not just their own strength, but the size of the obstacle itself. The stone was described as “very large” (Mark 16:4), emphasizing that the challenge was not just difficult—it was overwhelming. As they walked, their thoughts likely centered on the weight, height, and immovability of the stone. Their focus was fixed on the obstacle, and as a result, the obstacle seemed even greater in their minds.
This reflects a common pattern in how people process challenges. Whatever receives focus becomes magnified. When attention is centered on the problem, it begins to dominate thoughts, emotions, and expectations. A situation that is already difficult can begin to feel impossible simply because of how much mental space it occupies. The mind replays it, analyzes it, and enlarges it until it overshadows everything else. But there is a shift that changes perspective. Instead of focusing on how big the problem is, one can focus on how powerful God is. The challenge may not shrink physically, but it loses its control mentally and emotionally. When attention shifts, hope begins to rise, and what once seemed overwhelming no longer feels unmovable.
Do Not Face It Alone
Although the challenge ahead was significant, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome did not walk the journey alone. The Scripture notes that they “said among themselves” (Mark 16:3), revealing that they were in conversation, sharing their concerns, and processing the situation together. This detail is often overlooked, yet it carries great importance. Even in uncertainty, they chose connection over isolation. They did not internalize their fears silently; instead, they leaned on one another.
This principle remains essential today. Isolation often intensifies the weight of life’s challenges, leading individuals to feel as though they must carry everything alone. Yet, Scripture teaches otherwise: “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them” (Matthew 18:20). When people come together in faith, something greater is activated. Support becomes tangible, hope is restored, and burdens are lifted. What feels unbearable alone becomes manageable together.
The Stone Was Already Gone
When Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome finally arrived at the tomb, they encountered something unexpected. “When they looked up, they saw that the stone had been rolled away—for it was very large” (Mark 16:4). The obstacle they had been thinking about, discussing, and worrying over was no longer there. It had already been moved before they even arrived.
This moment reveals a powerful truth: sometimes the greatest obstacles exist more in the mind than in reality. The women had spent time anticipating a problem that had already been solved. Their concern was real, but the obstacle itself was no longer present. This speaks directly to how many people experience worry. A large portion of what causes stress is not what is happening in the present moment, but what might happen in the future or what has already happened in the past. In reality, many of those concerns never fully materialize. Learning to pause and focus on the present can bring clarity. Often, in the exact moment one is in, the problem is not as immediate as it feels.
Moving Forward with Faith
The story of Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome is not just a moment in history; it is a model for how to face life’s most difficult challenges. When strength feels insufficient, there is an invitation to rely on God. When problems feel overwhelming, there is a call to shift focus. When isolation threatens to take hold, there is a reminder to seek community. These are not abstract ideas, but practical steps that can transform how obstacles are approached.
Every “stone” carries the potential for a testimony. What once seemed impossible can become a story of breakthrough, faith, and divine intervention. By trusting in God’s strength, magnifying His power, and walking in community, individuals position themselves to experience what the women discovered that morning—the stone can be rolled away, and what lies ahead may be greater than anything imagined.
Discussion Questions
What is a current “stone” that feels too heavy or difficult to move?
How does focusing too much on a problem make it feel bigger than it actually is?
Why do people sometimes feel alone when facing challenges, even when support is available?
How can sharing struggles with others change one’s perspective or emotional state?
What are some practical ways to stay present instead of worrying about the future?
