Are you a turtle? – Author. Advocate. Founder.
May 19, 2017 May 20, 2017 Mia C.
I had something on my heart today that I wanted to share with you all. As you know, part of this blog will share some of my spiritual journey. And today’s post fits that description. Let’s get to it!
So, I run a trail right outside of my neighborhood every morning. Like clockwork. So much that I pretty much see the same people each time. It’s located right behind a school, so sometimes I see the children playing outside. I often find myself reminiscing about the innocence of childhood that they still get to experience.
Well, today was no different. I hadn’t even worked up a sweat, when I approached what I thought was a large rock from a distance. As I got closer, I noticed it was a turtle! Now, I’ve never been a person who is fascinated by a turtle. However, this time was peculiar. I felt inclined to stop and get a picture. The turtle was minding his/her business, doing what turtles do (whatever that is)…until he/she saw me. Not just as another part of nature. But as a potential threat. I witnessed the turtle with its neck extended, only to quickly stick its head back into its shell. I immediately thought to myself, “how many times have I acted like this turtle? How many times have I reverted back into my ‘shell/comfort zone’ because of fear, discouragement, or a perceived potential threat/disappointment?
As we can see, applying knowledge that God gives us is important. Instead, I am referring to the times where God has planted a seed in my heart, and because of my fear of the unknown…I chose not to follow-through. Have you ever been guilty of this? If you’re like me, where your faith has wilted at times, causing you to be like a turtle and ‘put your head back in your shell,’ may I encourage you for a moment? Psalm 37:4 tells us that if we “take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” I believe the key part of this verse is not the Lord giving us what we want, because He can do any and everything according to His perfect will. But the importance is in delighting in Him. Taking pleasure in spending quality time with Him through prayer and studying His word. Taking pleasure in knowing that He has our best interest at heart. Therefore, we have no reason to live in such fear.
After-all, the writer of Romans reminds us in Chapter 8, Verse 31: “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Therefore, he would never give us a reason to revert into our shell, but to stand bold and firm in His promises to love and care for us. As He has already proven. I mean, He does have a perfect tract-record.
Have a beautiful, faithful weekend!